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Learn and Grow at University at Buffalo Nanosatellite Laboratory

The University at Buffalo Nanosatellite Laboratory is a student-run organization that constructs satellites as part of several government-sponsored satellite programs. Our mission is to educate and inspire students to become pioneers and leaders in the fields of satellite design and space situational awareness research. We aim to innovate nanosatellite development for all generations to come.

UBNL has been helping undergraduates kickstart their successful careers since 2012. Alumni from the UBNL have moved up to careers at places like NASA, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and many more. UBNL aids students in building the skills necessary to become an experienced engineer. People from all years and majors are welcome, and your major will not determine your success in UBNL. 

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Our Active Mission

UBNL has one active mission.


SONYA is a brand new mission focused on characterizing background RF noise in low Earth orbit (LEO) using a software-defined radio (SDR).

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The Short Cycle Laboratory

The Short Cycle Lab (SCL) is our pre-mission training program for those interested in the nanosatellite development at UB.

During the SCL program, we guide our members through the system's engineering process by developing and launching at least one High-Altitude Balloon (HAB) over the course of each semester. 

Our members are taught skills such as CAD modeling, soldering, basic electronics design, systems engineering and much more. 

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Archived Missions and Alumni

UBNL has been working on multiple Nano-sats for up to 13 years now, though some missions could not make it to launch. 

Many of the engineers who worked on these missions went on to have incredible success in their careers, in academia and industry.

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How to Join

University at Buffalo Nano-sat Lab allows any major whether undergrad or graduate to apply and work on Satellites. New Members will undergo training to gain basic skills that are applicable to Nano-Satellites.  Most members start off in the Short Cycle Lab to learn skills that is applicable in all areas of out lab, then join a subsystem later on.

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Our Sponsors

We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their generous support.
Their contributions make everything we do possible.

Upcoming Events 

We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their generous support.
Their contributions make everything we do possible.

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