# LEOPARDSat-1 > student-made CubeSat for materials science research **Wikidata**: [Q138860407](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138860407) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/leopardsat-1 ## Summary LEOPARDSat-1 is a student-made CubeSat developed by the University of Cincinnati for materials science research. Officially designated as the Low Earth Orbit Platform for Aerospace Research and Development Satellite 1, this 1U miniaturized satellite is designed to conduct scientific inquiry in the field of radiation material science. Scheduled for launch in 2026, it serves as a research platform to gather data on the effects of the space environment on various materials. ## Key Facts - **Official Name:** Low Earth Orbit Platform for Aerospace Research and Development Satellite 1 - **Short Name:** LEOPARDSat-1 - **Operator:** University of Cincinnati - **Manufacturer:** University of Cincinnati - **Country of Origin:** United States - **Classifications:** CubeSat, Research Satellite - **Field of Work:** Radiation material science - **Volume:** 1 cubesat unit (1U) - **Mass:** 0.96 kilograms - **Launch Date:** 2026 (no earlier than) - **Launch Vehicle:** NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer - **Mission:** Cygnus NG-24 - **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 - **Call Sign:** WQ2XGO - **Website:** https://uccubecats.github.io/LEOPARDSat-1.html ## FAQs ### What is the primary purpose of LEOPARDSat-1? LEOPARDSat-1 is designed to conduct scientific research in the field of radiation material science. As a research satellite, it functions as a specialized platform to gather data on how materials behave in the space environment. ### Who developed and operates the LEOPARDSat-1 satellite? The satellite was developed and is operated by the University of Cincinnati. It is a student-made project, representing an academic contribution to the field of aerospace research. ### What are the physical specifications of LEOPARDSat-1? LEOPARDSat-1 is a 1U CubeSat, meaning it consists of a single 10cm-sided cubic module. It has a mass of 0.96 kilograms and carries the radio call sign WQ2XGO. ### When and where is LEOPARDSat-1 scheduled to launch? The satellite is scheduled for launch in 2026, with a "no earlier than" designation. It will be deployed via the NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer as part of the Cygnus NG-24 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. ## Why It Matters LEOPARDSat-1 is significant as a platform for advancing human knowledge of material durability in the harsh environment of low Earth orbit. By operating as a research satellite, it facilitates the collection of empirical data necessary for scientific progress in radiation material science, addressing problems that are difficult to study on Earth. The project highlights the critical role of academic institutions, similar to the University of Iowa's Injun series, in contributing to space research. Furthermore, its integration into the Cygnus NG-24 mission demonstrates the increasing accessibility of space for university-led experiments, allowing students and researchers to test new technologies and observe environmental phenomena directly from space. ## Notable For - **Academic Engineering:** A fully student-made satellite developed by the University of Cincinnati. - **Specialized Focus:** Distinct from general observation satellites, it is specifically designed for radiation material science. - **Compact Form Factor:** Operates as a 1U CubeSat, utilizing a standardized, miniaturized 10cm cubic module design. - **Collaborative Deployment:** Launches as part of the Cygnus NG-24 mission utilizing the NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer. ## Body ### Overview and Development LEOPARDSat-1, short for Low Earth Orbit Platform for Aerospace Research and Development Satellite 1, is a specialized spacecraft classified as both a CubeSat and a research satellite. It was developed and manufactured by the University of Cincinnati in the United States. The project is student-made, emphasizing the role of educational institutions in aerospace development. The satellite's primary field of work is radiation material science, positioning it within the category of artificial satellites specifically designed for scientific inquiry. ### Technical Specifications As a CubeSat, LEOPARDSat-1 follows the standard of miniaturized satellites made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules. It occupies a volume of 1 cubesat unit (1U). The satellite has a mass of 0.96 kilograms. It is identified by the call sign WQ2XGO and maintains an official website documenting its progress and specifications. ### Launch and Mission Profile The launch of LEOPARDSat-1 is planned for 2026, with the specific date designated as "no earlier than" the start of the year. The satellite is designated to fly as part of the Cygnus NG-24 mission. The launch vehicle responsible for its deployment is the NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer. The significant event of the rocket launch is scheduled to take place at the Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. ### Classification as a Research Satellite LEOPARDSat-1 falls under the classification of a research satellite, a type of artificial satellite designed explicitly for conducting scientific research. Like other research satellites, such as the American Injun series or the European PROBA series, LEOPARDSat-1 serves as a human-made object placed into orbit to gather data. While some research satellites focus on magnetospheric, ionospheric, or solar observation, LEOPARDSat-1 is specialized for materials science. It continues the tradition of using spacecraft as platforms for technological demonstration and scientific data collection, contributing to the broader understanding of environmental and cosmic phenomena. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/leopardsat-1.htm) 2. [Source](https://uccubecats.github.io/LEOPARDSat-1.html) 3. [LEOPARDSat-1](https://uccubecats.github.io/LEOPARDSat-1.html) 4. [FCC FORM 442](https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/442_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=145905&license_seq=147718)