Students seek funds to help launch ‘dream’ satellite mission
A student-led project at the University of Bradford is seeking to raise £40,000 to help launch a satellite into space next year.
Students from the Bradford Rocketry, Aviation and Satellite Society (BRASS) are developing the award-winning Bradford-RFI-1, a cube-shaped satellite measuring just 5cm on each side and weighing around 250g.
The project is helping strengthen the University’s growing reputation for innovation in science, engineering and space technology, supported by facilities including the Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI and the Polymer Micro and Nano Technology Centre within the Institute of Digital and Sustainable Futures.
The team, supported by the University of Bradford Union of Students (UBU), has already secured $10,000 in seed funding through an international competition but needs further backing to cover launch, licensing and insurance costs.
The Bradford-designed satellite is being considered for a future launch through Scottish aerospace company Alba Orbital, subject to final funding, licensing and launch arrangements. Technical development and ground testing are continuing alongside preparations for launch.
A student team from Bradford Rocketry, Aviation and Satellite Society (BRASS) is working on the Bradford-RFI-1 satellite project which hopes to launch next year. Images credit: University of Bradford & Kiran Mehta@KM Images
How it works
The mission aims to improve understanding of radio-frequency interference (RFI), a growing problem that can disrupt Earth observation satellites used to monitor climate and environmental conditions.
More than 20 students from Engineering, Computer Science, Business and Law programmes involved in the project are gaining hands-on experience of a space mission while developing skills and experience in advanced technology, project management, innovation, regulation and international collaboration, helping them build the expertise and industry experience employers are looking for.
The project is supported by an international steering group including experts from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, UPC BarcelonaTech, the University of Pavia and The Aerospace Corporation.
Over the coming months, the team will build and test engineering and flight models of the satellite, working with partners including the UK Space Agency and international testing facilities in Barcelona.
Illustrative concept of the Bradford-RFI-1 1P PocketQube satellite. The final flight design remains under development. Images credit: University of Bradford & Kiran Mehta@KM Images
Representing Bradford
Zahid Hasan Shovon, team leader and MSc Satellite Systems Engineering student, said: “This project is about much more than launching a satellite. We are representing the University of Bradford, the city of Bradford and the UK on an international stage.
“We have secured $10,000 in support, but we still need to raise another £40,000 to make our dream a reality.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, helps bring us closer to launch. We would love people to come and see what we are building and support a project that is being designed and led by students here in Bradford.
“We’re proving what students can achieve when they’re given the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges. We hope our success inspires other young people to pursue careers in science, technology and space.”
The University of Bradford BRASS students are working on a pico satellite. Images credit: University of Bradford & Kiran Mehta@KM Images
Reaching for the stars
Students are working with Bradford West MP Naz Shah to explore more affordable insurance options that could help move the mission closer to launch.
Following a meeting with BRASS to discuss the project’s licensing pathway, Ms Shah said: “This is an incredible success story for Bradford and the University of Bradford. It showcases the talent, ambition and innovation of our Bradford students, helping establish our city as an emerging leader in the UK’s space and engineering sector.
“I look forward to continuing to champion this inspiring project. Congratulations to everyone involved – Bradford is reaching for the stars.”
International recognition
The Bradford-RFI-1 mission has already attracted national and international recognition. BRASS was named Project of the Year at the 38th National Student Space Conference, one of the UK’s leading events for aspiring space professionals.
The team became one of only five global winners of the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS) Student Grand Challenge, and the first UK team ever selected for the competition.
Sponsors, donors and supporters can contact BRASS to help make the mission a reality. Researchers and industry professionals are invited to become mentors or research collaborators, supporting the project’s engineering, scientific and regulatory work. To support the project, email brasssoc@ubu.bradford.ac.uk
Future of Life Beyond Earth
Through initiatives such as the Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI, the University is helping drive conversations about how future space technologies could transform everyday life through advances in connectivity, AI and sustainability.
At the Cantor Technology Lecture, Space 2050: Opportunity, Sustainability and the Future of Life Beyond Earth, Professor Paul Febvre, Director of the Space Systems Centre at Cranfield University, will examine the rise of mega constellations, the services they provide today and their potential to reshape society in the future.
The lecture is on Wednesday 21 October from 18:00 to 19:15 at the University and online. Go to Space 2050 to book a place.
Image Caption (top of page): From left, Mariam Nabila, Bradford Rocketry, Aviation and Satellite Society (BRASS) member, Wahid Khan, Head of Legal, University of Bradford, Bradford West MP Naz Shah, Michael Allhouse, Student Engagement Manager at the University of Bradford, and Zahid Hasan Shovon, BRASS member. Images credit: University of Bradford & Kiran Mehta@KM Images