Description
The University of Chicago Space Program (also known as UCSP/SEDS-UChicago) includes both UChicago’s premier aerospace-focused Recognized Student Organization and the University’s chapter of the national Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS USA). Since its inception in 2020, the club has grown substantially, hosting the SEDS USA 2022 SpaceVision conference with more than 400 students, 90 speakers, and participation from leading aerospace companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
In 2023, the club began developing UChicago’s first satellite, the PULSE-A CubeSat, designed to demonstrate advanced laser communication technology and lay the groundwork for future quantum key distribution experiments. This effort was recognized in 2024 when NASA selected the PULSE-A for a 2026 launch through its prestigious CubeSat Launch Initiative, providing $300,000 in funding. The team, however, is responsible for covering all satellite construction and testing expenses before it arrives at NASA facilities.
Donations are applied to...
With a donation to the University of Chicago Space Program’s PULSE-A project, you help to propel UChicago forward. Your gift will directly support the building and testing of the satellite so we can meet our NASA 2026 launch goal.
Why are donations necessary?
This mission marks an important milestone for engineering at UChicago, as PULSE-A will be the first satellite developed, built, and launched by undergraduates at the University of Chicago. To date, we have raised approximately $70,000 of the $200,000 needed to build and test the satellite. Thanks to your gift, we’ll achieve this ambitious goal and inspire future student achievements.
For more information, visit uchicagospaceprogram.org.