The book CubeSat 101: Inception to Operations offers a comprehensive curriculum in CubeSat training and space technology education, the first of its kind for high school students globally.
Chennai-based student satellite pioneer Space Kidz India has unveiled the book CubeSat 101: Inception to Operations for structured satellite education. The book offers a comprehensive curriculum in CubeSat training and space technology education, the first of its kind for high school students globally.
CubeSats are miniature satellites typically sized in units of 10x10x10 cm, used for space research, technology demonstration, and educational missions.
The book was released at DefSat 2026 in New Delhi by Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, was honoured for delivering a high-quality, industry-aligned space education programme that meets national standards and supports India’s growing private space ecosystem. Anil Prakash, Director General, Satcom Industry Association (SIA), and other distinguished members of the space and satellite fraternity also graced the occasion.
Before publication, the book was rigorously reviewed by former ISRO directors, including Dr. Prakash Rao, Dr. Surendra Pal, and Dr. Alok Srivastava. Their expert insights and academic recommendations have significantly strengthened the framework of the programme.
CubeSat 101: Inception to Operations is designed as a structured, end-to-end guide for small satellite development. The curriculum covers mission conceptualisation, systems engineering, subsystem design, payload integration, regulatory pathways, environmental testing, launch campaigns, and post-launch mission operations. It bridges the gap between academic learning and real-time satellite execution, equipping learners with both conceptual understanding and practical readiness.
The curriculum will be uploaded to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship portal, where it will be formally recognised as a certified micro diploma programme, a first for India. It will provide students, academic institutions, start-ups, and aspiring satellite engineers with structured, government-recognised training in CubeSat technology, contributing meaningfully to the country’s expanding space economy.
Founded with the mission of empowering students, particularly young girls, through hands-on space education, Space Kidz India has consistently pioneered student satellite programmes, global collaborations, and experiential science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning platforms. To date, Space Kidz has successfully launched multiple student satellites and trained thousands of students in space sciences.