WE BELIEVE SPACE INSPIRES POSSIBILITIES
When powerful STEM tools are paired with the backdrop of space, students unlock their creativity and gain unique skills needed for their future careers through meaningful and authentic learning.
The Aldrin Family Foundation’s Student Satellites in Space (S-Cubed) program ignites students’ passions in STEM and grows the workforce of the future. Students are opportunities to learn the science and engineering of a satellite spacecraft, how to work safely in a laboratory, explore the ethics of engineering, and prepare for a fruitful career or degree in STEM.
The two-year program is hosted in partnership with Twiggs Space Lab, founded by CubeSat co-inventor Professor Bob Twiggs.
The Aldrin Family Foundation of Texas is thrilled to announce that the Texas Space Commission has awarded us a $4.7 million grant to bring S-Cubed to students throughout the state of Texas.
For more information, please contact texas@aldrinfoundation.org
Our S-Cubed Program
S-Cubed is a two-year workforce development career-and-technology education (CTE) program for high school students is standards-aligned and includes all materials, curriculum, and professional development for streamlined implementation in your school district.
S-Cubed Year 1
DEVELOP SKILLS, LEARN CONTENT, SIMULATED SPACE MISSION
Year 1 of S-Cubed is intended to introduce students to the general science and engineering of a satellite spacecraft while learning how to code and work safely in a laboratory. The capstone project includes a simulated space mission with a real high-altitude balloon (HAB) launch to collect data to answer research questions.
Key units and highlights of S-Cubed Year 1 include…
Learn the history of space exploration and CubeSats, featuring the story of Bob Twiggs, founder of Twiggs Space Lab
Explore basic electronic physics, robotics, and engineering
Learn the science and engineering of a satellite spacecraft, including live hardware interfacing, coding, and troubleshooting
Capstone simulated space mission with real model satellite payloads on a HAB that collect data while reaching the edge of space and safely parachute back down to Earth’s surface
Teams analyze the simulated space mission data and present their findings to their community from the lens of their learning from Year 1
Time required: 72 to 180 hours per year
Key skills: Science, engineering, coding, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, collaboration, kinesthetic, laboratory safety
S-Cubed Year 2
ADVANCED SKILLS, PHILOSOPHY, MISSION PREPARATION
Year 2 of S-Cubed challenges students through advanced science and engineering of a satellite spacecraft. Students explore the Code of Ethics for Engineers with real case studies, practice using the engineering design process, and learn what it takes to launch a satellite payload to space.
Key units and highlights of S-Cubed Year 2 include…
Explore and analyze the Code of Ethics for Engineers using a real engineering ethics case study
Practice following the Engineering Design Process to design a product ready for the space environment
Learn the advanced science and engineering of a satellite spacecraft, including live hardware interfacing, coding, troubleshooting, and assembly
Capstone payload assembly and testing in preparation for a competition with other participating school districts
Teams present their portfolio of learning to their community and other participating school districts
Time required: 72 to 180 hours per year
Key Skills: Science, coding, problem-solving, teamwork, debate, engineering design process, space environment
Custom program options are available. Please contact us directly with more information about your vision and we are happy to help you.