UC CubeCats satellite makes Hiss-tory at NASA
MSN: But Bearcats need help getting to Cape Canaveral
After 10 years of relentless work, the University of Cincinnati’s CubeCats are finally set to launch their student-built satellite into orbit. As reported by MSN, the team is now racing to raise the remaining funds needed to get every member to NASA’s Cape Canaveral launch site to witness their role in history firsthand.
The CubeCats is a student organization focused on hands-on learning through the design, construction, and launch of CubeSats, compact satellites built by universities and industry worldwide.
CubeCats organized an Artemis watch party at Swift Hall. Photo/Sam Kohls.
First moonshot since 1972
CubeCat, Luisa Moehlecke, proudly holds a replica of the LeaopardSat-1 satellite. Photo/Sam Kohls
In the lead-up to their own launch, CubeCats past and present who worked on LEOPARDSat-1 gathered on Wednesday to witness Artemis II, the latest mission in NASA’s return-to-the-Moon campaign, lift off from the Kennedy Space Center.
The watch party buzzed with excitement as students recognized the moment as historic, not only for human spaceflight but also for UC's own journey to orbit the following week.
The student-led project was chosen by NASA for its CubeSat Launch Initiative and will fly in partnership with SpaceX, Voyager Technologies and Northrop Grumman. It is scheduled to launch on April 8 aboard Northrop Grumman Cygnus NG-24 (CRS-24).
The group views both missions as milestones. One giant leap toward humanity’s return to deep space, and the other a groundbreaking step for UC and Ohio as its first student-led satellite mission.
One giant leap for UC
Artemis II blasts off from Cape Canaveral in Orlando Florida. Photo/Aviation News
The Artemis II watch party also underscored the university’s long-standing connection to human spaceflight.
UC has a proud tradition of space exploration, including Neil Armstrong, a UC faculty member in aeronautical engineering, after his famous Apollo 11 mission that made him the first person to set foot on the moon.
Ohio holds the distinction of producing more astronauts than any other state.
As CubeCats watched Artemis II blast off from the Kennedy Space Center, they were reminded that their own satellite launch continues UC’s legacy in space, linking past pioneers with the next generation of Bearcats preparing to send their work into orbit. Yet amid the excitement, a pressing concern lingered on their minds.
Cat-titude for Bearcats past and present
10 years of Bearcats stand in solidarity knowing they will soon make history for their alma mater and the state of Ohio. Photo/Greg Glevicky
CubeCats leaders in the College of Engineering and Applied Science include: Nathan Nguyen (president), Samuel Kohls (program manager), Matthew Verbryke (chief engineer) and executive team member Mike Carovillano, currently pursuing his MBA at UC’s Lindner College of Business, helped complete the project.
But they couldn’t have done it without standing on the shoulders of those who came before them.
“Even though our team helped carry the project across the finish line, this launch belongs to every Bearcat who contributed over the past decade,” says Nguyen. “We’re proud to make history for the state of Ohio and UC and we want to share this historic moment. But we need help with donations to make it possible for us all to celebrate together.”
The team hopes to raise $17,000 to cover travel for 35 past and present members who worked on the satellite. So far, they have collected about $7,000 toward that goal. The CubeCats say they appreciate any donation, no matter the amount.
Those wishing to show their support can do so at the Donate - University of Cincinnati Foundation.
Preparing for liftoff
Mike Carovillano, Nathan Nguyen and Samuel Kohls field questions from the news media about their reaction to Artemis II, and the next in line to make history. Photo/Diana Lara
In December of last year, CubeCats handed off their satellite to NASA in Houston. There was a celebration upon their return in January of this year at the 1819 Innovation Hub, where the team had the opportunity to thank their many sponsors and partners. CubeCats credited 1819 for the resources they accessed within the building, specifically the UC Ground Floor Makerspace, to prototype and produce an antenna for the satellite.
And now the time is finally here. Once LEOPARDSat-1 reaches the International Space Station, it will focus on studying the performance of lightweight carbon-based composite materials as protection against ionizing radiation. By comparing radiation exposure between sensors shielded by different thicknesses of material and sensors left unprotected, the satellite will gather data that could help determine whether these materials are viable for future spacecraft. The project is also intended to create a satellite platform that can support additional material-testing missions.
Un-furr-getable legacy
The LEOPARDSat-1, no larger than a tissue box, will soon depart for the stars. Photo/Greg Glevicky.
Momentum is building across campus as Bearcats organize watch parties and rally their communities to cheer on the CubeCats.
On April 8 at 8:51 a.m., supporters everywhere can tune in to the spacecraft's livestream as it lifts off from Cape Canaveral, carrying years of student dedication into orbit.
The launch marks a defining moment for the Ohio space community, showcasing how student innovation is helping shape the future of the space industry and proving that the next generation of explorers is already reaching for the stars.
Featured image at top: The UC CubeCats' Artemis II watch party serves as a test run for their own launch into space on April 8. Photo/Sam Kohls
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