Preserving Space History:

 Welcome to our exciting project dedicated to preserving the history of CubeSat — the groundbreaking miniature satellite standard that has revolutionized space exploration! Headed by Prof. Robert "Bob" Twiggs, one of CubeSat's co-inventors, alongside a dedicated team of his students and colleagues, we are on a mission to capture the captivating human stories behind the creation of this game-changing technology. Be part of this momentous endeavor to both document space history and create the next generation of space engineers!

To learn how to contribute to our endeavor, see the “Want to Contribute?” section below.

The aim of The CubeSat History Project is to capture and produce a non-fiction book documenting the history of the creation, adoption, and impact of the CubeSat Standard. In addition to creating a nonfiction book, we aim to produce a companion image book showcasing the stunning and unique visuals from this early era of space exploration.

Since 1998, over 2,200 CubeSats have been launched into space, and thousands more are planned for the next decade. For 40 countries, their first-ever spacecraft in orbit was a CubeSat. They have been to the Moon and Mars and are likely the first satellites any spacecraft engineer will work on. Once declared nothing but useless toys and potential debris by policymakers and the leaders of NASA, CubeSats are now a fundamental part of the modern space industry, built by new and legacy aerospace companies and national space programs worldwide. 

But how did a satellite inspired by a Beanie Baby Box become such a success? How did unlikely and unprecedented consortiums of first-time international space programs run by students and eclectic professors launch dozens of spacecraft under the noses of the space industrial complex? 

This is no story of the billionaire's space race. Learn how a group of ambitious teachers, students and scientists fundamentally changed the space industry and created a new generation of space explorers. Read about the determination, creativity, and ingenuity that propelled these tiny satellites into the cosmos. See the pioneers challenged to design and build these small wonders, transforming them from curiosities into formidable tools for scientific discovery and technological advancement.

Using first-hand accounts from dozens of inventors and early adopters. Gain insights into the most significant change in how satellites were designed, built, and launched since the dawn of the space race almost never happened. Learn how true innovators from the most unlikely places together ushered in a new space age for pennies on the dollar. How students and engineers, tired of doing things the old way, became the leaders of today's industry, transforming academic and experimental cubesat programs into multi-million-dollar space companies. 

The CubeSat History Project offers blueprints for inspiring learning, creating meaningful change, and driving innovation. It's a testament to human ambition and the power of collaborative learning. It serves as a source of inspiration for students, educators, and space enthusiasts, proving that with dedication and imagination, even the smallest dreams can reach the stars.