(Image: University of Bradford)
STUDENTS are reaching for the stars with a bold new mission.
A student-led team from the University of Bradford is aiming to launch a satellite into space.
Members of the Bradford Rocketry, Aviation and Satellite Society (BRASS) are developing the Bradford-RFI-1, a 5cm cube satellite weighing just 250g that they hope to launch in 2027.
Zahid Hasan Shovon, team leader and MSc Satellite Systems Engineering student, said: "This project is about much more than launching a satellite.
"We are representing the University of Bradford, the city of Bradford and the UK on an international stage.
"We have secured $10,000 in support, but we still need to raise another £40,000 to make our dream a reality.
"Every contribution, no matter how small, helps bring us closer to launch."
The satellite is designed to study radio-frequency interference (RFI), which can disrupt satellites used for climate and environmental monitoring.
The project is backed by an international steering group, including experts from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, UPC BarcelonaTech, the University of Pavia, and The Aerospace Corporation.
The team has already won $10,000 in seed funding through an international competition but needs to raise an additional £40,000 to cover launch, licensing, and insurance costs.
Work is underway to secure a launch opportunity through Scottish aerospace company Alba Orbital, pending final funding and approvals.
More than 20 students from across engineering, computer science, business and law are involved in the project, gaining practical experience in space technology and international collaboration.
The Bradford-RFI-1 mission has already received significant national and international recognition.
BRASS was named Project of the Year at the 38th National Student Space Conference and became one of only five global winners in the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS) Student Grand Challenge—the first UK team ever selected.
Bradford West MP Naz Shah is working with the team to explore affordable insurance options to help bring the launch closer to reality.
Ms Shah said: "This is an incredible success story for Bradford and the University of Bradford.
"It showcases the talent, ambition and innovation of our Bradford students, helping establish our city as an emerging leader in the UK’s space and engineering sector.
"I look forward to continuing to champion this inspiring project.
"Congratulations to everyone involved—Bradford is reaching for the stars."
Sponsors, donors and supporters are encouraged to contact BRASS at brasssoc@ubu.bradford.ac.uk to help make the mission a reality.