University Nanosatellite Program – 20 Years of Education

In 1999, the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV) and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) began a unique program with the goal of educating future small satellite systems engineers – the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP). In the ensuing 20 years, 38 universities, and over 5,000 students, have participated in UNP, developing nearly 100 unique mission concepts and resulting in 11 flights to-date. Through UNP, full-time systems engineers are dedicated to guiding student teams through the development process, utilizing a small satellite specific user’s guide, systems engineering classes and presentations, formal reviews, access to government and industry subject matter expertise, environmental testing, and launch. Each UNP cycle lasts 2-3 years and funds 10 proposals for development and possible flight selection. The UNP curriculum is updated each cycle in pursuit of continuous process improvement, striving to develop experienced and effective engineers for our nation’s small satellite enterprise. This paper will discuss the history of UNP, its unique approach to educating small satellite systems engineers, and the impact the program has had on the small satellite enterprise over the last two decades