The UPMSat-3 project

UPMSat-3 is a university-led microsatellite initiative managed by the "Ignacio Da Riva" Institute for Microgravity Research (IDR/UPM) at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, in partnership with the UPM's STRAST group (Real-Time Systems and Architecture of Telematic Services). This satellite marks the next step in the UPM’s satellite series, following UPM-Sat1 and UPMSat-2. UPM-Sat1 launched from the Kourou Spaceport in French Guiana in 1995, aboard an Ariane-4 rocket, accompanying the Helios military satellite. UPMSat-2 followed on September 3, 2020, launched on the VEGA launcher, funded by the European Union's IOD/IOV Horizon 2020 program.

Initially designed with a two-year lifespan, UPMSat-2 continues to exceed expectations, operating effectively well beyond its intended mission.

UPMSat-3 aims to design, manufacture, qualify, launch, and operate a cost-effective satellite for technological demonstration and educational and scientific purposes. This project enhances UPM's position in aerospace technology, providing a unique platform for research and innovation.

Weighing up to 22 kg and with dimensions of 250 x 250 x 366 mm³, UPMSat-3 will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at 500 km altitude, with a 10:30 local time of passage. It introduces advancements over previous models, including three-axis attitude determination and control and deployable solar panels using shape-memory mechanisms.

Beyond its core role as an educational platform, UPMSat-3 will validate industry and university technologies in space, strengthening IDR/UPM’s collaboration with the amateur radio community and contributing to citizen science through AMSAT and SatNOGS. The project will also engage the public and school students with initiatives like "SEND YOUR NAME TO SPACE" and videos such as "UPMSat-2: Beyond the University" and "I Want to Be an Engineer."

The UPMSat-3 program is funded through various internal projects, support from the ETSI Aeronáutica y Espacial, and the OAPES project (Y2020/NMT-6427) within the 2020 Synergistic Program of the Community of Madrid.