Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31559: From Alberta to Orbit: A Student-Made Satellite’s Journey into Space

The Northern Space Program for Innovative Research and Integrated Training Experimental Albertan Satellite 2 (Ex-Alta 2) represents an extraordinary student-led achievement in aerospace engineering and Earth observation. Developed by AlbertaSat at the University of Alberta, Ex-Alta 2 was launched during Expedition 68 to monitor wildfires, floods, and vegetation growth from space.

Built as part of the Canadian CubeSat Project, this compact satellite harnessed multiple sensors to gather high-resolution data. Students designed, assembled, tested, and deployed the satellite, handling real-world aerospace challenges—from thermal control to telemetry.

Ex-Alta 2 wasn’t just about engineering; it served as a training ground for students in remote sensing, satellite operations, and environmental science. It also brought regional issues like wildfires into global context, using space-based tools to inform disaster response and climate monitoring. This project showcases how student innovation can help solve pressing environmental challenges and push the boundaries of space science.

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