Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30933: Empowering Students Through Space: Georgia Tech’s Mission Aboard the ISS

The 'Georgia Institute of Technology-1' experiment wasn’t just a technological endeavor—it was an educational milestone. Conducted during Expedition 66, this initiative aimed to involve students directly in space research, demonstrating how academic institutions can contribute to real-world space missions.

Under the guidance of Dr. Glenn Lightsey, students at Georgia Tech partnered with JAXA to develop and deploy a CubeSat aboard the ISS. This compact satellite allowed students to participate in everything from system design and software programming to data analysis and mission operations.

The primary objective was to give students hands-on experience with aerospace engineering in a real space environment. The CubeSat was equipped with sensors, communications modules, and onboard computers, serving as a functional laboratory in orbit.

Through this mission, students learned how to navigate the challenges of space system design: limited power, thermal control, radiation exposure, and remote operations. They collaborated across disciplines—mechanical, electrical, software—and learned the value of teamwork under high-stakes conditions.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect was the sense of ownership and inspiration. Seeing a project you helped build actually fly in space is a powerful motivator. For many participants, this project marked the beginning of careers in space science, robotics, and aerospace engineering.

Educational experiments like Georgia Tech’s serve a dual purpose: they generate valuable scientific data and cultivate the next generation of space professionals. By linking university classrooms to the ISS, programs like this show students that space is not some distant dream—it’s a tangible goal within reach.

In the coming years, as more CubeSats and student-led missions take flight, Georgia Tech-1 will stand out as a pioneering example of how education and innovation go hand in hand beyond our planet.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.