University Nanosatellite Program

The University Nanosatellite Program (UNP) funds U.S. university students and programs to design, build, launch, and operate small satellites. UNP is funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and managed from the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate (RV) located on Kirtland Air Force Base, NM. UNP is a nationally recognized Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math workforce training program.

UNP’s objective is to train the next generation of space professionals by providing a rigorous concept-to-flight-ready spacecraft development process centered on systems engineering principles and practices. UNP provides AFRL and DoD parties the option to leverage technologies and platforms in research areas of interest to AFRL. Finally, UNP provides AFRL and industry a work force pipeline made up of students who have been trained in small satellite development.

25+
Years
55
Universities
20
Launches*
100+
Missions

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Satellite dimensions
Design
Satellite built
Build
rocket launching
Launch
Satellite orbiting earth
Operate

Funding US university students and programs to design, build, launch, and operate small satellites with a rigorous concept-to-flight-ready spacecraft development process

Nationally Recognized

Continental USA with pinpoint on Kirtland Air Force Base, NM

UNP is a nationally recognized Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math program.

UNP is funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and managed from the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate (RV) located on Kirtland Air Force Base, NM.

Student connection with AFRL and Industry

UNP provides AFRL and industry a work force pipeline made up of students who have been trained in small satellite development.

AFRL Logo
AFOSR Logo
Small Satellite Portfolio Logo

* Launches include missions launched through STP and ELaNa