OKSat - Oklahoma's First CubeSat Initiative

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The OKSAT initiative, a joint effort between Dr. LoPresti at TU and Drs. O’Hara and Faruque at OSU, aims to launch Oklahoma’s very first CubeSat mission into orbit within the next few years. A CubeSat is a small, modular satellite designed to target specific scientific and engineering questions, typically operating in low-earth orbit (LEO). Researchers throughout the world can communicate and work with the CubeSat to develop models, test ideas, and gather data under real-world conditions that helps answer the targeted questions. Oklahoma is one of only a few states in the US that has not launched a CubeSat mission.

OKSAT is seeking launch funds through a proposal submitted to NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) program, which has a deadline of November 15, 2025. For the proposal to succeed, OKSAT must demonstrate that we have funds available to construct the CubeSat.

The OKSAT initiative supports both scientific research and student education in designing space-based systems. The program engages students and faculty across multiple Oklahoma colleges with real-world, hands-on work with engineering, technology, and design for space-based systems. Students active in the program will thus gain expertise and experience needed for Oklahoma aerospace companies to grow and compete in this vibrant and fast-growing industry.

The scientific component consists of two parts: hybrid RF/optical systems for space communication networks and methods for detecting and mitigating space debris.

1. Space Debris Detection: This part explores questions around methods to detect debris down to 1 mm² using space-based and ground-based mechanical and optical methods. Small particles on the range of 1 – 10 mm pose an enormous and sometimes lethal threat to space missions operating in earth orbit, and less than 1% are actively tracked due to limitations of current detection methods. By exploring new detection methods, investigators can inform development of methods and systems for de-orbiting the debris and making space-based commerce safer and more reliable.
2. Optical Wireless for Space Communication: This first part explores questions around the use of optical wireless – laser communication through space over long distances – to increase the quality, speed, and throughput of wireless links between the ground and satellite communication networks, in support of Earth-wide communication and missions to explore our solar system. Investigators can utilize OKSAT to develop optimal optical ground station designs and test AI-based methods for improving acquisition and tracking.

To date, students have worked extensively on designing CubeSats for both applications, with most recent efforts focused on the Space Debris Detection application. Students worked with space-qualified power, processing, and control components and designed mechanical and optical systems able to operate under the strict constraints imposed by space-based operation.

With your support, OKSAT can build, launch, and execute the CubeSat mission