APSS-3 is a student-led space mission designed to inspire and educate future aerospace professionals by providing real-world space data. It offers students across New Zealand access to authentic satellite information for use in lessons, assignments, and research, effectively bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical application.
At the core of APSS-3 is an educational initiative that leverages three carefully chosen payloads to collect thermal and radiative data, as well as images of New Zealand from orbit. In doing so, the mission effectively paints a picture of the space environment, capturing not only numerical data but also visual impressions that bring the dynamic world of space into clear view.
The mission not only supports classroom learning but also contributes valuable scientific insights by examining how small CubeSats and materials behave thermally in low Earth orbit. These findings are expected to inform and improve future satellite projects and support the ongoing development of space technology in New Zealand.
A key aspect of APSS-3 is the practical learning experience it provides. Throughout the mission, students have the opportunity to develop critical technical skills in areas such as satellite engineering, data processing, and systems integration. Working on APSS-3 allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in a hands-on environment and channel these experiences into further educational resources.
APSS-3 is committed to open science. All collected data, including high-resolution images, will be shared openly through accessible platforms so that educators, students, and researchers can benefit from the mission’s results.
Planned for launch in 2026, APSS-3 represents an important step forward in student-led space exploration. By providing reliable scientific data and practical learning tools, the mission aims to support and advance the development of the next generation of aerospace professionals.
Contributors
Aadesh Ganugapati
Aileen Yuuko Casey
Alex Khouri
Alexander Eldridge
Amish Kumar
Annie Baranova
Anwesha Banerjee
Ayush Varma
Benjamin Mueggenburg
Celine Bui
Gayatri Ganesh
Glen Malbog
Heath Spicer
James David Roy Gray
Joel Mansor
Julian Ward
Julianne McCoun
JunBang Liang
Kim Thompson
Mahima Seth
Mathew Smith
Matias Mufarech
Michael Peyroux
Moutaz Khair
Nathaniel Brown
Neil Mario
Oliver Vannoort
Pavel Kalinin
Priyanka Verma
Ramanujan Madhusudhan
Rita Thomas
Robert Hartley
Samantha Woon
Seran Ramanathan
Skyler Solomon-Gavin
Tabitha Hughes
Taha Basar
Tihann Bergh
Tim Cashmore
Vinayak Verma
Will Southee
William Smith