PocketQube Community Set to Reach 100 Satellites in Orbit, Marking a Major Milestone in Miniature Satellites
- Staff Correspondent
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
A major milestone in the world of small satellites is just around the corner: the 100th PocketQube satellite is set to be deployed into orbit this year.
Four PocketQubes will be deployed by the world’s leading PocketQube broker, Alba Orbital, in collaboration with SEOPS as part of the Transporter-15 rideshare mission with SpaceX.
The PocketQube standard was first developed in 2009 at Morehead State University (MSU) and Kentucky Space to help universities and researchers across the globe perform space science and exploration at a fraction of the traditional cost. Each PocketQube measures just 5 cm³ per unit (or “1P”), making them among the smallest operational satellites ever developed.
Despite their size, the capabilities of PocketQubes are immense. Their compact form factor allows for launches starting from as little as €25,000 through Alba Orbital’s dedicated launch services. This affordability has opened space access to high schools, universities, startups, and research institutions worldwide. Now teams can design, build, and fly their own satellites for the first time.
Since the first PocketQube launch in 2013, mission types have ranged from Earth observation and Internet of Things (IoT) experiments to communications and technology demonstrations. The result is an ecosystem of small satellite innovation, proving that impactful space missions can be achieved in the smallest of sizes.
“With the 100th PocketQube set to reach orbit, we’re fulfilling the revolution to democratize access to space,” said Tom Walkinshaw, CEO of Alba Orbital.
The growing popularity of the PocketQube standard has led to rapid innovation. Alba Orbital’s own 3P Unicorn-2 satellite is the world’s smallest commercial Earth observation platform, capable of capturing high-resolution imagery that rivals much larger satellites.
From commercial applications to student-led success, the RomSpace and HYPE missions highlight how PocketQubes have allowed young engineers and researchers to design, build, and launch real satellites.
RomSpace, a team of high school students aged 15 to 18 from the International Computer High School of Bucharest, successfully launched Romania’s first functioning satellite, ROM-2 (1P), followed closely by ROM-3 (1.5P).
The HYPE mission, from students at the AGH University of Krakow, was a 1P in-orbit demonstration featuring an onboard OLED display that shows uploaded images and messages, which are then photographed in space by a selfie-stick camera.
As the community celebrates the upcoming 100th launch milestone, the PocketQube standard continues to demonstrate how miniaturization and easier access to space are reshaping the industry’s future.
Satellites on the Historic 100th PocketQube Launch
HUNITY (NMHH-1) – Hungary Built by students and lecturers at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, HUNITY tests a new PocketQube platform while supporting student experiments and hands-on learning, advancing Hungary’s educational satellite programs.
SARI-1 & SARI-2 – Saudi Arabia Developed through the Saudi Space Agency’s Sari competition, these student-built PocketQubes carry imaging, IoT, and telemetry payloads, giving participants practical experience in satellite engineering and operations.
ANISCSAT – Azerbaijan Created by a university team in Azerbaijan, ANISCSAT hosts sensor experiments and a custom telemetry framework, providing students with real-world spacecraft design and mission experience while supporting the country’s growing space research efforts.
Partnerships
Ideia Space, a Brazilian education startup, coordinated the Saudi and Azerbaijani missions, offering international collaboration, guidance, and mission support for student teams.