• The Dream Big program has officially reached an incredible milestone. Following launch aboard the SpaceX Transporter-16 mission, we are proud to confirm that all six student-built satellites have been successfully deployed and first contact has been established with each one.

    For anyone involved in space missions, that first signal from orbit is unforgettable. After months of design, testing, and preparation, hearing back from a spacecraft validates the work, dedication, and perseverance that made it possible. For the students behind these satellites, it marks the moment their ideas became something real—something now orbiting Earth.

    From Classroom to Orbit

    What makes this achievement truly remarkable is the journey behind it. These satellites began as concepts in classrooms and evolved through hands-on development, testing, and integration. Now, they are fully operational spacecraft in orbit.

    Through this project, more than 2,000 students were given the opportunity to engage directly with spaceflight. From early design work to mission readiness, they experienced what it takes to build and operate real space hardware. This is the core of Dream Big: creating opportunities for students to step beyond theory and take part in something tangible and meaningful.

    A New Generation of Student Spacecraft

    The satellites themselves represent an exciting advancement. Built as 0.5U ThinSat CubeSats developed by Near Space Launch, this new generation is designed to expand payload capacity compared to previous iterations. That increase opens the door for even more student-built experiments and missions in the future; broadening access to space like never before.

    Powered by Partnership

    This milestone would not have been possible without the collaboration of outstanding university partners:

    • University of Notre Dame
    • Taylor University
    • Purdue University Fort Wayne
    • Western Michigan University
    • Valparaiso University
    • University of Toledo

    Each institution played a critical role in guiding students through the process of building, testing, and preparing their satellites for launch.

    Looking Ahead

    With deployment complete and communication established, the mission now enters an exciting new phase. Data collection, tracking, and continued operations will give students the opportunity to analyze real-time information from their spacecraft and deepen their understanding of space systems.

    This moment is more than just a technical success, it’s proof of what’s possible when students are given the tools, mentorship, and opportunity to dream big.

    And this is only the beginning.

    Stay tuned as we continue to track the satellites and celebrate the achievements of the students who made it all happen.