About

Established in 1999, UNP was the first federally funded program dedicated exclusively to university participation in spacecraft development. Over 11,000 students from 55 U.S. universities have participated since the program’s beginning. Remaining true to its founding principle of education, UNP has developed into the premier U.S. small satellite education program.

As of 2025, the program has had 12 nanosatellite cycles, 2 mission concept cycles, and one technical insertion cycle of student programs. Lessons learned have been steadily folded into the program architecture, increasing program success and maximizing the educational experience.