Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32392: Elementary Students Launch a Satellite: The Inspiring Story of STM CathedralSat-1

In a shining example of educational innovation and hands-on STEM learning, elementary students at St. Thomas More Cathedral School in Arlington, Virginia, partnered with NASA to build and launch a real satellite — the Cathedral Satellite-1 (CatSat-1). Overseen by Joseph Pellegrino of NASA Goddard, this remarkable feat took place during Expeditions 43 through 48 aboard the ISS.

The CatSat-1 mission was part of NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) program. It empowered students not just to learn about space, but to actively participate in the engineering and design process of a spacefaring satellite. The project gave young learners a hands-on experience with concepts like telemetry, orbital dynamics, power systems, and communications.

What made this project unique wasn’t just the satellite—it was the ripple effect. Teachers incorporated satellite development into daily lessons, inspiring students with real-world applications of math, physics, and engineering. The mission showed how early exposure to space technology can ignite lifelong interest in STEM careers.

The successful deployment and operation of CatSat-1 served as both a scientific demonstration and a powerful educational tool. It highlighted that with guidance and opportunity, even elementary school students can reach for the stars — quite literally.

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