Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30303: Empowering Students Through Satellites: The STeP-UP Journey to the ISS

The Space science and Technology education and Proliferation through University Partnership (STeP-UP) Project is a landmark initiative in the Philippines, showcasing how national pride, education, and innovation can orbit together. Spearheaded by the University of the Philippines-Diliman and the ULyS3Es lab, the project aimed to develop and launch the first Filipino-built CubeSats to the International Space Station (ISS).

STeP-UP was more than a technical challenge—it was a movement to strengthen space education and inspire a new generation of aerospace engineers. Students were trained intensively in satellite design, mission planning, and ground station operations. They applied these skills to build Maya-3 and Maya-4, nanosatellites that contribute to communications, disaster monitoring, and technology validation.

These satellites were deployed from the ISS, marking a major achievement for the Philippines. Their mission: collect imagery, test onboard systems, and strengthen the country's ability to build and operate future spacecraft. The program also developed educational materials to expand awareness of satellite technologies among Filipino schools and communities.

The STeP-UP Project stands out not only for its technical results but also for its mission to “proliferate” space knowledge. It laid the groundwork for the Philippines’ long-term space strategy and nurtured the talent pool needed to support it.

The project’s model of combining academic partnerships, international collaboration (notably with Japan’s JAXA and Kyushu Institute of Technology), and national goals can serve as a template for other emerging space nations. It proved that space science is not just for a few—it can be developed, taught, and expanded through dedicated university programs.

STeP-UP is a shining example of what is possible when education, ambition, and innovation meet. It’s about giving students the tools—and the sky—to dream bigger.

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