<img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/1200h630_1_df235890e6.png" alt="1200х630-1.png" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_1200h630_1_df235890e6.png 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_1200h630_1_df235890e6.png 245w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_1200h630_1_df235890e6.png 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_1200h630_1_df235890e6.png 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_1200h630_1_df235890e6.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">The “<a href="https://geoscan.space/en/name-on-orbit-2026">Send Your Name into Space</a>” campaign is in full swing: until October 15, 2026, anyone can send their name, photograph, or drawing into orbit. All submitted materials will be stored on a digital storage device, which will be installed aboard the Ioffe-1 small spacecraft scheduled for launch in the winter of 2026–2027.From Names to a Space MissionThe Ioffe-1 scientific and educational&nbsp;<a href="https://spacepi.space/satellites/ioffe-1/">satellite</a> is being developed as part of the Space-π project of the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises, with the participation of Geoscan and the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “<a href="https://en.sonik.space/rko/">Space Education Development</a>”.&nbsp;The&nbsp;platform will carry&nbsp;a scintillation gamma-ray detector developed jointly with the Ioffe Institute, as well as a high-resolution camera as payloads. The satellite will carry out important scientific and educational tasks: detect gamma-ray bursts and capture images of Earth.Since 2021, Geoscan has regularly collected names and sent them into space aboard CubeSats. A distinctive feature of the campaign over the past two years&nbsp;has been&nbsp;the opportunity to send into orbit not only&nbsp;participants’&nbsp;names but also their photographs and other images. Mission Control Center specialists will select 100 best drawings, which will be transmitted to Earth over the amateur radio band after launch.Results of the 2025 Campaign&nbsp;For Geoscan, this kind of campaign is nothing new.&nbsp;The <a href="https://en.spacepi.space/news/osobennosti-nauchnoj-missii-239-alferov/">239Alferov</a> satellite regularly transmits images submitted by participants in last year’s “Send Your Name into Space” campaign. In 2025, 7,787 names and more than 3,500 images from 117 countries were uploaded to it.Following the campaign,&nbsp;we&nbsp;selected 67 of the best entries, which are now regularly received from orbit. Images transmitted from space can be viewed in the<a href="https://sonik.space/gallery/RNAT-4607-0106-2995-6819/">&nbsp;online gallery</a>.Ioffe-1 Is Next. And So Are You!&nbsp;The nanosatellite is scheduled for launch in the winter of 2026–2027. After reaching orbit, Ioffe-1 will join the “Supernova Hunters” constellation and begin its scientific mission.&nbsp;To send your name on a journey into space, simply complete the form&nbsp;<a href="https://geoscan.space/en/name-on-orbit-2026">on the campaign website</a> by October 15, 2026 and, if desired, upload your image.Don’t Miss Your Chance to Become Part of Space History!<a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/become-part-space-mission-send-your-name-space-campaign-continues">Source</a>.

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Your Drawing Could Fly into Space: Join the Ioffe-1 Mission

Become Part of a Space Mission: The “Send Your Name into Space” Campaign Continues

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How to capture a high-quality image from orbit: lessons from InnoSat16 and Lobachevsky satellites

Earth Remote Sensing Using CubeSats

<img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/Joint_Work_888bd5e4fa.jpg" alt="JointWork.jpg" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_Joint_Work_888bd5e4fa.jpg 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_Joint_Work_888bd5e4fa.jpg 208w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_Joint_Work_888bd5e4fa.jpg 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_Joint_Work_888bd5e4fa.jpg 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_Joint_Work_888bd5e4fa.jpg 1000w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xlarge_Joint_Work_888bd5e4fa.jpg 1920w," sizes="100vw">The GeoSpace Research Laboratory of NRNU MEPHI is returning to active scientific work. The collective, comprising experienced specialists, students, and schoolchildren, is currently focused on building advanced scientific instrumentation for CubeSat-class small spacecraft.One of the laboratory's projects is the development of the Svetlana scintillation multilayer spectrometer, designed to study auroras — one of the most beautiful and physically complex phenomena in near-Earth space. The primary task of the scientific instrument, to be installed aboard a CubeSat 3U spacecraft by the Geoscan company, is the joint detection of energetic electron fluxes from Earth's outer radiation belt and atmospheric glow within the auroral oval.During geomagnetic storms, particles with energies ranging from tens of keV to about ten MeV penetrate the ionosphere, causing ionization and excitation of atoms; the subsequent relaxation of these excited states produces the emission we observe as auroras (including the familiar northern lights, since we live in the Northern Hemisphere). Beyond the visual splendor of the phenomenon, studying the underlying processes in real time may yield substantial scientific results — for instance, establishing direct quantitative relationships between particle energy and emission intensity, which is crucial for understanding the physics of magnetosphere–atmosphere interaction.Structurally, the instrument is a multilayer spectrometer composed of modules with double planes filled with scintillator strips — this assembly bears its own name, TwinPad. This architecture enables the detection of particles across a wide energy range with high temporal resolution directly aboard a CubeSat nanosatellite, while also standardizing the device for use in future missions.<figure class="image"><img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/Twin_Pad_B_9566da54da.png" alt="TwinPad-B.png" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_Twin_Pad_B_9566da54da.png 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_Twin_Pad_B_9566da54da.png 245w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_Twin_Pad_B_9566da54da.png 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_Twin_Pad_B_9566da54da.png 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_Twin_Pad_B_9566da54da.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"><figcaption>TwinPad module. The light-gray strips are scintillators, in which flashes of light are produced (much like in Earth's atmosphere) by the passage of charged particles — in our case, electrons. The green-colored boards are the electronics that perform the initial processing of signals from the silicon photomultipliers (shown in raspberry color), which convert the light signal into an electrical pulse</figcaption></figure>To enhance measurement reliability, the instrument incorporates an anti-coincidence system that effectively suppresses background events caused by galactic cosmic rays and secondary particles unrelated to the precipitation process under study. This makes it possible to extract the useful signal even in the challenging radiation environment of orbit.Working side by side with the laboratory's staff and students on the TwinPad modules are schoolchildren from several educational institutions. The students are engaged in refining the mechanical components and assembling the detectors.Another group of school students has joined another important task — developing the instrument's electronic circuits and programming its operational algorithms on an FPGA and a microcontroller. This gives the young researchers invaluable hands-on experience with state-of-the-art onboard digital electronics.<figure class="image"><img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/Electronic_Test_6f0eb10ccf.jpg" alt="ElectronicTest.jpg" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_Electronic_Test_6f0eb10ccf.jpg 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_Electronic_Test_6f0eb10ccf.jpg 245w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_Electronic_Test_6f0eb10ccf.jpg 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_Electronic_Test_6f0eb10ccf.jpg 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_Electronic_Test_6f0eb10ccf.jpg 1000w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xlarge_Electronic_Test_6f0eb10ccf.jpg 1920w," sizes="100vw"></figure>The team of the GeoSpace Research Laboratory notes that the opportunity to conduct full-fledged observations aboard a CubeSat-class spacecraft is an exciting and ambitious challenge. The staff have dozens of experiments behind them, conducted aboard artificial Earth satellites, including the Salyut and Mir orbital stations and the ISS. Among the brightest pages of their history is participation in the PAMELA experiment, whose results were recognized by the scientific community in 2008 as one of humanity's most significant achievements, alongside the launch of the Large Hadron Collider.<blockquote>“We enthusiastically embraced the idea of creating a series of small scientific instruments, including Svetlana, and we take great pleasure in passing on our knowledge and many years of experience to the younger generation. We are confident that our joint work on this instrument will both become an important step in training new personnel for the domestic space industry and yield new scientific data,” added a member of the GeoSpace Research Laboratory.</blockquote>The project is implemented within the framework of the Space-π scientific and educational program of the Innovation Promotion Foundation, with support from the Federal Project “Personnel for Space” of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

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The Svetlana spectrometer will enable simultaneous detection of energetic electron fluxes from the radiation belt and atmospheric glow within the auroral oval directly aboard a CubeSat

Young Scientists of NRNU MEPHI Are Developing an Instrument for Studying Auroras

Specialists from Geoscan and Samara National Research University have fine-tuned the hyperspectral imaging performed by the <a href="https://spacepi.space/satellites/colibri-s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Colibri-S</a> small satellite. Thanks to the CubeSat’s stable attitude in space, high-quality images of the Earth’s surface were obtained: vegetation, sandy areas, snow cover, and mountain ranges were observed from low Earth orbit.Colibri-S is based on the upgraded <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/products/cubesat" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Geoscan 3U platform</a>. The small satellite <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/new-cubesats-are-orbit-and-have-made-contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">was launched</a> into orbit on November 5, 2024, along with four other satellites designed by Geoscan for partner universities under the Space-π project of the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises. For the company, these were the first satellites to feature an active attitude control system. This system allows the small satellites to quickly transition from uncontrolled rotation to precise positioning.Colibri-S <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/five-geoscan-developed-satellites-use-active-attitude-control-system-orbit">carries</a> a hyperspectral camera for Earth remote sensing. To collect the most accurate data, it is important to orient the satellite so that the hyperspectrometer is pointed at nadir — exactly at the subsatellite point beneath the small satellites’s flight trajectory. This position is ensured by the CubeSat’s attitude control system. It also allows the antennas to be pointed at the ground station and helps maintain high-quality communication with the satellites.Over several months, the Geoscan team, together with university staff, tested the attitude control system, including its reaction wheels, as well as the small satellites’s payload. About 30 imaging sessions were conducted in this period. Specialists configured data scanning at an increased frame rate in 2×2 binning mode — a technology that combines adjacent pixels into groups. This solution more than tripled the frame rate on the onboard single-board computer and improved imaging stability at high satellite speeds, while preserving the high information value of the data.<blockquote>“Placing the Colibri-S into orbit, along with four other nanosatellites of the Space-π scientific and educational project of the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises, was a major step for us. For the first time, Geoscan launched and took control of several CubeSats at once. We used an upgraded satellite platform. It features a new attitude determination and control system, as well as an improved communication system, including a high-speed transmitter developed by our engineers with a throughput of 250 Mbps. The device operates in the 10.45–10.5 GHz frequency range and provides a unidirectional space-to-Earth communication channel,” said Alexander Khokhlov, Head of the Small Satellite Projects Department at Geoscan.</blockquote>After processing the video stream, specialists generated a 120-channel hyperspectral cube in the 400–1000 nm wavelength range. This is a three-dimensional data array obtained as a result of hyperspectral imaging. Each pixel contains information about two spatial dimensions (x and y) and the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the Earth’s surface at the imaged point (z dimension). Spectral data for each coordinate were captured in 120 narrow spectral bands.Based on the cube, a color-synthesized RGB image was produced. It captures a strip of the Earth’s surface 20 km wide and 145 km long. To improve accuracy, spatial correction was applied, taking into account the CubeSat’s speed and flight trajectory, scan orientation angles, and characteristic surface texture features. This processing reduced geometric distortions that occur during high-speed imaging. After color correction, vegetation, sandy areas, snow cover, and mountain ranges are clearly distinguishable in the image.<figure class="image"><img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/Colibri_S_a954076460.png" alt="Colibri-S.png" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_Colibri_S_a954076460.png 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_Colibri_S_a954076460.png 245w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_Colibri_S_a954076460.png 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_Colibri_S_a954076460.png 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_Colibri_S_a954076460.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"><figcaption>RGB reconstruction obtained using the Colibri-S satellite’s hyperspectral camera and color adjustment. Source: Samara National Research University named after Academician S. P. Korolev.</figcaption></figure><blockquote>“Samara University has long been developing high-resolution hyperspectral cameras. Initially, they were to be installed on small satellites weighing several hundred kilograms with high-precision attitude determination and control systems. For example, with a ground resolution of 30 m/pixel, deviations of the camera optical axis must not exceed 10 arcseconds. Installing cameras like these on CubeSats, especially on smaller ones like Colibri-S, makes obtaining high-resolution hyperspectral imagery more difficult, as small satellites are much harder to stabilize. The Geoscan team specialists successfully accomplished this task,” noted Roman Skidanov, Professor of the Department of Cyberphotonics at Samara University.</blockquote>In the future, the team plans to test new CubeSat attitude modes with pitch control: the satelite will compensate for its orbital motion through controlled rotation opposite to the direction of flight. This approach will reduce the scanning speed of the Earth’s surface relative to the satellite’s motion by a factor of two to four, increasing the clarity of hyperspectral data.Hyperspectral imaging data are used in agriculture and environmental monitoring. They make it possible to assess vegetation health and identify signs of drought, disease, and nutrient deficiency. These data help track crop development, forecast yields, monitor the condition of soils and water bodies, and track environmental changes.Hyperspectral imaging technology is also being tested on the <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/lobachevsky-cubesat-goes-online-enters-operational-control" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lobachevsky CubeSat</a>, developed by Lobachevsky University and Geoscan based on the Geoscan 16U satellite platform. The small satellite is designed for agricultural and environmental research and carries a hyperspectral camera developed by Samara University and a multispectral camera manufactured by NPO Lepton. After flight testing is completed, school students from the Nizhny Novgorod Region and students from agricultural universities cooperating with Lobachevsky University will be able to work with spectral data from space imaging.Colibri-S not only performs hyperspectral imaging for specialists, but also participates in amateur radio programs: it broadcasts photographs, children’s drawings, and images. The gallery of materials received from the satellite is <a href="https://en.sonik.space/gallery/OVBN-0332-6282-0409-5232/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a> on the website of the SONIKS ground station network.<a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/hyperspectral-imaging-tested-aboard-colibri-s-cubesat" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source</a>.

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The Satellite of Samara National Research University Named After Academician S. P. Korolev Continues to Operate in Low Earth Orbit

Hyperspectral Imaging Tested Aboard The Colibri-S CubeSat

<img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/1200_630_928e3b668f.png" alt="1200-630.png" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_1200_630_928e3b668f.png 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_1200_630_928e3b668f.png 245w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_1200_630_928e3b668f.png 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_1200_630_928e3b668f.png 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_1200_630_928e3b668f.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">The 239Alferov satellite, developed by Geoscan on the <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/products/cubesat" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Geoscan 3U platform</a>, continues its scientific mission by recording space events using a gamma-ray spectrometer. As of February 10, 2026, the instrument has detected three gamma-ray bursts, including the bright GRB 260101A. This event became the first major result of the gamma-ray spectrometer’s operation and confirmed its ability to detect gamma-ray bursts and transmit data for astrophysical research.This article explains in detail how the gamma-ray spectrometer operates, as well as how data are transmitted and verified. It also describes how the Geoscan engineering solutions used in the satellite’s design help scientists observe cosmic events.Studying gamma-ray sources with 239AlferovGamma-ray bursts are brief, powerful flashes of gamma-rays that accompany some of the most extreme energy-release events in the Universe, such as supernova explosions and neutron star mergers. They are among the brightest phenomena in the Universe, yet scientists still do not fully understand which progenitors give rise to different types of bursts or which processes generate such intense radiation.To understand the nature of each burst, researchers need to observe its source across the widest possible range of wavelengths and involve as many space- and ground-based observatories as possible. The 239Alferov CubeSat, built by Geoscan, has joined these efforts: its data will help precisely localize burst sources and refine their parameters for follow-up observations.An up-to-date heat map of the high-energy particle backgroundOne factor that complicates the operation of a gamma-ray spectrometer in low Earth orbit is regions with increased background radiation, such as Earth’s radiation belts and the South Atlantic Anomaly. In this article, “background radiation” refers to ionizing radiation detectable by the gamma-ray spectrometer. It includes high-energy charged particles (primarily protons and electrons) and high-energy photons (gamma rays).In regions where the background is relatively stable, the instrument can detect gamma-ray bursts by using the background level as a reference and flagging events that significantly exceed its statistical fluctuations (natural variations). However, in areas with increased background radiation, the gamma-ray spectrometer cannot reliably distinguish gamma radiation from charged particles that drive large background variability, and it cannot detect gamma-ray bursts. Data from these regions must be excluded from analysis.To filter the data, scientists use heat maps. These maps show background intensity across different parts of the orbit, making it possible to identify areas with elevated background levels. Geoscan engineers also produced an up-to-date heat map based on data recorded by 239Alferov <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/gamma-spectrometer-board-239alferov-satellite-begins-its-scientific-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in October 2025</a>. It matched publicly available models, confirming the quality of the data and the correct operation of the gamma-ray spectrometer.<figure class="image"><img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/teplovaya_karta_1e0c8a9d8d.jpg" alt="тепловая карта.jpg" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_teplovaya_karta_1e0c8a9d8d.jpg 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_teplovaya_karta_1e0c8a9d8d.jpg 229w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_teplovaya_karta_1e0c8a9d8d.jpg 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_teplovaya_karta_1e0c8a9d8d.jpg 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_teplovaya_karta_1e0c8a9d8d.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><figcaption>The up-to-date heat map of high-energy particle background. Brightness levels reflect the background intensity in different orbit regions, including the radiation belt areas and the South Atlantic Anomaly</figcaption></figure>High-speed transmission of large data volumesGeoscan’s main engineering task is to receive valid gamma-ray spectrometer data from the satellite and deliver it to the Ioffe Institute for analysis and interpretation.Data is transmitted from the satellite to Geoscan’s X-band ground station on a regular basis, typically every few days. The X-band link is critical because it provides sufficient bandwidth to downlink large volumes of gamma-ray spectrometer data to Earth in a short time. This enables timely data delivery, analysis, and near-real-time response to detected events.Detecting a proton event after a powerful solar flareThe gamma-ray spectrometer aboard 239Alferov detects not only extragalactic gamma-ray bursts, but also other gamma-band phenomena — within our galaxy, on the Sun, and in Earth’s atmosphere — and it can also be used to monitor the radiation belts.In the January 2026 239Alferov dataset, it is possible to track the impact of a proton event (a burst of accelerated particles) associated with a powerful solar flare on the radiation belts. The plots below show the detector count rates in several energy bands on January 1, when solar activity was low, and on January 20 after the flare. Sharp peaks correspond to passes through regions with elevated fluxes of charged particles.On January 1, background levels in the polar and equatorial regions are similar. On January 20, during the proton event, the count rate at polar latitudes increase several-fold, while changes near the equator are more modest – there, the detector primarily sees cosmic gamma radiation against the usual background. This pattern is typical of solar proton events and indicates that the detector is responding correctly to changes in the orbital radiation environment.<figure class="image"><img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/Alferov_1_0_1d7550a293.png" alt="Альферов-1_0.png" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_Alferov_1_0_1d7550a293.png 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_Alferov_1_0_1d7550a293.png 245w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_Alferov_1_0_1d7550a293.png 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_Alferov_1_0_1d7550a293.png 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_Alferov_1_0_1d7550a293.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"><figcaption>2026. Plot 1 (left): Detector background in orbit on January 1, 2026. Stable count level in polar and equatorial regions 2027. Plot 2 (right): Change in detector background on January 20, 2026, following a solar flare. Significant count increase in polar regions</figcaption></figure>Detecting a gamma-ray burstThanks to a detailed analysis of the background environment, researchers at the Ioffe Institute also identified an extragalactic gamma-ray burst in the 239Alferov data. The record contained a short interval where the detector count rate rose well above the background level expected for that part of the orbit. The team then cross-checked the event against data from other instruments to confirm that the detected burst was real. GRB 260101A was also detected by several space observatories, including Swift, Fermi, Konus-Wind, SVOM, and GECAM-B.<figure class="image"><img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/gamma_vsplesk_85d99c677d.png" alt="гамма-всплеск.png" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_gamma_vsplesk_85d99c677d.png 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_gamma_vsplesk_85d99c677d.png 245w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_gamma_vsplesk_85d99c677d.png 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_gamma_vsplesk_85d99c677d.png 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_gamma_vsplesk_85d99c677d.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"><figcaption>Comparison of the GRB 260101A gamma-ray burst light curves from Fermi-GBM detectors and 239Alferov. The plot shows the count rate per second. The excess above the background level (shown as a dashed line) corresponds to the gamma-ray burst detected by both instruments</figcaption></figure>Based on observations of GRB 260101A, researchers at the Ioffe Institute reported the 239Alferov detection in a NASA-hosted GCN circulars. GCN circulars are a system for publishing brief reports on space events, including gamma-ray bursts. These circulars help scientists quickly share observational results and respond to important discoveries, enabling other teams to confirm the event and configure their instruments for follow-up observations.Precise synchronization with global timeA Geoscan-developed GNSS receiver module is installed aboard the 239Alferov satellite to precisely synchronize the spacecraft clock with global time. Accurate timing is essential for detailed data analysis and for localizing a gamma-ray burst on the sky using triangulation. In particular, localization relies on multiple spacecraft recording the same burst with timestamps precisely synchronized to global time.Precise synchronization makes it possible to determine the location and point ground and space-based telescopes to the region where the burst afterglow can be observed – the light that remains after the main gamma-ray emission. This glow provides additional insight into the physical processes at the time of the event and helps refine the source localization.Further tuning of observation and data downlink modesAt present, 239Alferov records data continuously, with downlinks occurring every few days. In the future, the onboard software will be updated to allow the gamma-ray spectrometer to be switched off in high-background regions identified on the heat map. This will extend the satellite’s operational time and reduce the number of false triggers from the gamma-ray spectrometer.<blockquote>“Geoscan is currently one of the leaders in developing CubeSats and onboard systems for them. The company’s team has experience building applied instrumentation based on a range of physical principles. Developing the gamma-ray spectrometer and the spacecraft at Geoscan provided greater flexibility in selecting observation and data downlink modes, which should deliver meaningful scientific results and provide the experience needed to develop follow-on experiments for observing gamma-ray bursts,” commented Dmitry Svinkin, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Experimental Astrophysics, Ioffe Institute.</blockquote>In July 2025, Geoscan-6 – also equipped with a gamma-ray spectrometer – was placed into orbit. The satellite is currently in its commissioning and testing phase, which includes calibration, attitude control system tuning, and verification of all onboard systems. Once commissioning is complete, Geoscan-6 will be ready for targeted scientific work, including observations of gamma-ray bursts and other astrophysical phenomena.The 239Alferov is a nanosatellite built on Geoscan’s 3U platform. It was developed for the Space-π program under the Innovation Promotion Foundation, commissioned by Presidential Physics and Mathematics Lyceum No. 239 and the Zhores Alferov Physics and Technology School. The small spacecraft’s payload includes a gamma-ray detector and the VERA ablative pulsed plasma thruster. The satellite’s transmission frequencies <a href="https://iaru.amsat-uk.org/finished_detail.php?serialnum=934" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">have been coordinated</a> with the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).239Alferov became the first spacecraft in the Space-π “Supernova Hunters” specialized constellation of the Innovation Promotion Fund to detect a gamma-ray burst. Additional small astrophysical satellites are scheduled for launch in 2027. Three of them will be developed by Geoscan in cooperation with the Laboratory of Experimental Astrophysics of the Ioffe Institute. The first satellite in the series will also involve participation from the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “Development of Space Education.”You can find more information about gamma-ray bursts detected by Geoscan-developed astrophysics satellites on&nbsp;<a href="https://grbs.space/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the portal</a>.<a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/239alferov-scientific-mission-how-cubesat-helps-explore-cosmic-events" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source</a>.

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How the CubeSat Helps Explore Cosmic Events

239Alferov Scientific Mission

On December 28, 2025 4 16U Space-π smallsats were launched as part of the Roscosmos Soyuz-2.1b/ Aist-2T launch.<h2>Lobachevsky</h2><figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/Lobachevskij_1599fa6b0c_14601ba28d.jpg"></figure>The 16U «Lobachevsky» CubeSat, created by the Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N. I. Lobachevsky, based on the 16U satellite platform of Geoscan LLC, is equipped with multispectral and hyperspectral cameras for agroecology tasks, as well as an amateur FM radio repeater with an integrated hardware and software package for testing memristive devices in space. The first signals from the cubesat were received by the SONIX station in Omsk.During the space experiment, it is planned to obtain satellite spectral images of reference areas of forests and agricultural crops, i.e. areas with known agrophysical characteristics, or subsequent confirmation on the ground of the conditions of the captured areas. Students will conduct a comparative analysis of the received ground and space data. The obtained results will become an experimental base for educational research on the following topics:stress foci identification in forest near populated areas of the Nizhny Novgorod region, as well as identification of plant stress factorsThe spread of invasive woody and perennial herbaceous plants in the Nizhny Novgorod region, such as ash maple, Japanese rhinutria, Canadian goldenrod and others that aggressively displace native vegetation speciessearch and analysis of the activity of smoldering peat bogs in the Nizhny Novgorod region.For full-fledged experimental work, students learn about the principles of spectral photography, its physical nature, and the possibilities of using spectral data to remotely determine plant and soil conditions.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Scorpio</h2><figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/Skorpion_fc8108e791_e9a7ea076f.jpg"></figure>The 16U «Scorpio» CubeSat, developed by the D. V. Skobeltsyn Scientific Research Institute of Nuclear Physics (Moscow State University) based on the NILACT-DOSAAF 16U satellite platform, contains equipment for space experiments on space weather, microbiology, registration of extragalactic gamma-ray bursts and transients, monitoring of radiation and fluxes of charged particles in low Earth orbit.«Scorpio» is designed to study the effects of space on living organisms, as well as to develop ways to search for microorganisms on space objects and observe rapid changes in radiation in Earth's orbit.There are six devices installed on the cubesat:1. Track gamma-ray spectrometer. It is designed to study gamma-ray bursts of various types. It consists of four identical modules with a scintillator and sensitive elements — silicon photomultipliers.2. SONNET (a system of optical observations of energetic transients). It is intended for the study of energetic transient phenomena in the Earth's atmosphere.3. BIOL (biological orbital laboratory). It is designed to study the dynamics of the physiological state of chlorella by fluorescent glow in space flight conditions.4. BIOL-2. It is designed to study the effect of space flight conditions and cerium preparations on the vital activity of microorganisms in eight airtight containers by measuring their fluorescence levels.&nbsp;5. KODIZ-2 (combined radiation detector). It is designed to register the fluxes of electrons, protons and nuclei of cosmic radiation in three mutually perpendicular directions.6. ECG (charged particle energy analyzer). It is designed to monitor plasma flows in near-Earth orbits.<h2>Polytech Universe-6</h2><img src="/uploads/Politeh_Yunivers_6_b1b003e2c8_c2d53216a1.jpg">The «Polytech Universe-6» satellite (hereinafter referred to as PU-6), a 16U CubeSat from St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, developed on the basis of the 16U satellite platform of STC LLC, to measure the level of electromagnetic radiation in various frequency ranges to create a model for the distribution of these levels and analyze the level of "electromagnetic pollution".&nbsp;Basic experiments:1. Construction of territorial maps of the distribution of electromagnetic radiation levels from the Earth's surface. Analysis and comparison of the EMR data obtained with PU-3 and PU-6 (Polytech Universe-3 is a previously launched satellite of the university within the framework of the project). Refinement of intense radiation points using two metrics from both satellites.&nbsp;2. Analysis of the data transmitted in the AIS system from PU-6, addition of the existing database (collected from PU-5), optimization and modernization of the existing service visualization of results. Speeding up the service.3. Design and development of a satellite data receiving station, analysis of telemetry received from the PU-6 satellite, etc. Creation of a satellite telemetry visualization service, tracking and analytics of changing QMS metrics.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Aist-ST</h2><figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/Aist_ST_f3ea20432f_17cdf8e9a0.png"></figure>The «Aist-ST» 16U CubeSat was created by the Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev on the basis of the 16U satellite platform of STC LLC in order to experimentally test radar equipment on a small spacecraft, as well as to study the rate of contamination of satellite elements by products of its own external atmosphere. The students planned to perform the following experiments:1. Environmental monitoring of changes in snow cover height on Mount Elbrus;2. Monitoring of ice melting in the waters of the Northern Sea Route to ensure the safety of navigation;3. Assessment of the impact of spacecraft materials on surface contamination in the first months of flight.All of the above vehicles were launched in launch containers developed by the private space company Aerospace Capital. The operator of the Soyuz-2.1b/Aist-2T launch vehicle mission is Roscosmos State Corporation, Glavkosmos JSC (part of Roscosmos State Corporation) acting as the head integrator of the associated payload launch and provides the launch service.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">«The&nbsp;Space-π project makes space a part of the educational environment and gives students the opportunity to go all the way from an idea to a working spacecraft in orbit. This is a multi-subject platform where guys with different interests — from engineering to programming — can implement their own experiments. Since 2020, more than 5,000 schoolchildren have participated in the project annually, and 62+4 spacecraft have been launched into orbit. Thanks, among other things, to this work, Russia has become a leader in the world in terms of the number of educational cubesats launched. In the coming years, within the framework of the federal project "Personnel for Space", we will continue to develop satellite constellation and infrastructure for school space experiments," said Andrey Zhizhin, CEO of the Innovation Promotion Foundation.</h2>As part of the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Moscow metro, spacecraft with a themed image of «Metrosha» and an anniversary logo went into Earth orbit. A child's drawing was applied to one of the satellites.<figure class="image"><img src="/uploads/b7582eb2_9376_4c23_b10d_4e31dae6137e_d258204894_1622a5ab0f.png"></figure>

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On December 28, 2025, four 16U Space-π smallsats were launched as part of the Roscosmos Soyuz-2.1b/ Aist-2T launch.

Space-π project launch of four 16U satellites

On October 5, Moscow became the focal point of discussions on the future of private space exploration and open technologies as it hosted the technology and science conference “Making Space Open – 2025”. The event brought together leading experts, scientists, representatives of commercial companies and educational initiatives, and was held at the Lomonosov Cluster. An online broadcast was also available to the public, attracting more than 500 viewers.Satellites and TechnologiesThe conference program was highly eventful and covered the full range of Geoscan Group’s current space activities — from satellite development and educational initiatives to forward-looking strategies.Kirill Starikov, Head of Small Spacecraft Ground Systems Department at Geoscan, spoke about the development of the <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/products/cubesat-16U" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Geoscan 16U platform</a> and, in particular, about InnoSat16 — the first Russian 16U satellite launched into orbit. The CubeSat’s main objectives are flight testing and Earth remote sensing. The session also presented data from seven experimental satellites based on the <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/products/cubesat" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3U platform</a>, launched earlier this summer.Andrey Manoilo, CEO of Gonets Satellite System JSC, spoke about joint projects with Geoscan and shared details of an ongoing high-speed data transmission experiment being carried out on Geoscan CubeSats. He noted that the technologies tested on the Geoscan-4 and Geoscan-5 satellites make it possible to deploy part of a communications satellite constellation as a secondary payload and quickly scale it up when needed. This lowers service costs and opens up opportunities to enter promising market segments.Stepan Tkachev from the Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences presented the progress and results of developing mathematical algorithms for the attitude determination and control system of small spacecraft. Dmitry Svinkin from the Ioffe Institute delivered a talk on gamma detectors that capture the most powerful explosions in the universe and shared the first results from 239Alferov — a CubeSat that carried 7,787 names and over 3,500 images from participants of the <a href="https://geoscan.space/en/name-on-orbit-2025/passengers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">“Send Your Name to Space”</a> campaign.Educational Programs and Open TechnologiesAlexander Khokhlov, Head of Small Spacecraft Projects Department at Geoscan, spoke about the Space-π project, through which school and university students take part in creating CubeSats, mastering modern technologies, and conducting experiments in orbit. &nbsp;<blockquote>“Over nearly five years of developing Geoscan’s space program, we’ve achieved so many milestones that organizing a conference like this was a natural step. It’s especially gratifying that both in our daily work and here at the event we’ve met many partners — and even more curious space enthusiasts for whom the successes of private Russian companies have become a true source of inspiration,” said Alexander Khokhlov.</blockquote>A key focus of the conference was open technologies, Irina Mitrofanova, a web developer at Geoscan, announced upcoming plans for the <a href="https://en.sonik.space/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SONIKS</a> project — a platform that will connect satellite users worldwide, enabling not only telemetry reception but also control of educational satellites via the SONIKS Mission Control Center.Maria Kuporova, an education specialist at Geoscan, presented a new continuing education course titled “Satellite Operator.” The program introduces school students to the space industry and the work of Mission Control Center specialists.Plenary SessionThe culmination of the day was the visionary session “Deep Space? Only Together!”, led by Geoscan’s Advisor to the CEO, Andrey Ionin. The participants discussed the opportunities for small and medium-sized companies in international projects, the paths to commercializing technologies, and the new tasks of Roscosmos.<blockquote>“Global space exploration is now going through a real revolution. Everything is changing, and that opens up incredible opportunities for everyone. Exploring the Moon or Mars is only possible through the combined efforts of all nations. It will require the knowledge and resources of every industry, technology, and scientific field. Not only large corporations can take part in this process — the scope of work is so vast that there’s room for companies of every size. Everyone can and should make their contribution,” emphasized Andrey Ionin.</blockquote>HackathonAlongside the business program, the on-site final of the “Hello, Sputnik!” hackathon took place, organized with support from the <a href="https://en.fasie.ru/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises</a> and bringing together 27 students from cities across Russia. Participants worked on a practical challenge — regaining control of a satellite and preventing an environmental disaster. The “Happy?” team took first place, and several participants also received special awards in individual categories. All finalists received certificates and commemorative prizes.<blockquote>“The conference clearly showed that space is becoming closer to us. Even today, we’re building satellite constellations, conducting cutting-edge experiments, and nurturing a new generation of engineers. The future of the industry is being shaped through this kind of collaboration,” concluded Kirill Starikov.</blockquote><a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/highlights-making-space-open-2025-conference" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source</a>.

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In Moscow, the Geoscan company gathered schoolchildren, students, specialists and space enthusiasts to discuss the present and future of space exploration

Highlights of the “Making Space Open – 2025” Conference

On September 27, 2025, the 239Alferov satellite commenced its operational phase in orbit. The onboard gamma-ray spectrometer has started routine observations and is currently almost continuously collecting data on radiation in near-Earth space.<a href="https://space.geoscan.ru/en/gamma-ray-spectrometer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The gamma-ray spectrometer</a> aboard 239Alferov consists of sodium iodide thallium doped (NaI(Tl)) scintillator viewed by silicon photomultipliers. It is designed to detect powerful gamma-ray bursts originating beyond our Galaxy that &nbsp;helps scientists to better understand the physics of cosmic explosions up to distances corresponding to few hundred million years after the Big Bang.Before entering its scientific mission, the gamma-ray spectrometer underwent two test runs to verify its performance. The first one took place on September 20 at 13:35 UTC and lasted 140 minutes — roughly one and a half orbits around Earth.During the test, the detector recorded count rates in the five energy ranges: 20–50 keV, 50–100 keV, 100–500 keV, 500–1000 keV, and above 1000 keV. Throughout the test run, the spectrometer detected charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field.The count rate plot clearly shows that the rise and fall in detected particles occurred as the satellite passed through the Earth’s trapped radiation belts — near the magnetic poles and within the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly. This correlation confirms that the gamma-ray detector accurately responds to variations in the radiation environment and is correctly performing its scientific function.<figure class="image"><img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/Alferov_239_0_33ed5f1b91.png" alt="Alferov 239_0.png" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_Alferov_239_0_33ed5f1b91.png 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_Alferov_239_0_33ed5f1b91.png 191w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_Alferov_239_0_33ed5f1b91.png 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_Alferov_239_0_33ed5f1b91.png 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_Alferov_239_0_33ed5f1b91.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"><figcaption>The figure illustrates temporal variations of the count rates of high-energy particles (protons, electrons, and gamma quanta) detected in different energy bands. The temporal resolution during test run was one second</figcaption></figure>During further long-term runs the mission will collect background data of the gamma-ray spectrometer. These measurements will help update radiation heat maps at the satellite’s orbital altitude and identify regions where high background levels prevent the detection of gamma-ray bursts. By mapping these zones, 239Alferov will be able to automatically suspend data acquisition in such areas — reducing false triggers and optimizing power consumption.<blockquote>“After optimizing the observation program, 239Alferov will be used to monitor cosmic transients jointly with other space instruments — such as the Konus experiment aboard the Wind spacecraft, and the gamma-ray detectors onboard Swift, Fermi, SVOM, and other near-Earth and distant observatories. Combined data analysis will improve burst localization capabilities which will help to gain deeper insights into the nature of high-energy processes in the Universe,” said Dr. Dmitry Svinkin, researcher at the Laboratory for Experimental Astrophysics, Ioffe Institute.</blockquote>Alexander Khokhlov, Head of Small Spacecraft Projects at Geoscan, noted that the launch of 239Alferov represents a significant milestone in the development of the Space-π educational program. The satellite is the first spacecraft in the specialized Hunters for Supernovae constellation.In the future, several small astrophysical satellites are scheduled for launch in 2027. Three of them will be developed by Geoscan in cooperation with the Laboratory for Experimental Astrophysics (LEA) of the Ioffe Institute. The first satellite of this series will also involve participation from the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “Development of Space Education.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/DSC_03644_1_f965ca36e9.jpg" alt="DSC03644(1).jpg" srcset="https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/xsmall_DSC_03644_1_f965ca36e9.jpg 64w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/thumbnail_DSC_03644_1_f965ca36e9.jpg 234w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/small_DSC_03644_1_f965ca36e9.jpg 500w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/medium_DSC_03644_1_f965ca36e9.jpg 842w,https://strapi.spacepi.space/uploads/large_DSC_03644_1_f965ca36e9.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><figcaption>Experiment supervisors: Dr. Dmitry Frederiks and Dr. Dmitry Svinkin (Laboratory for Experimental Astrophysics (LEA), Ioffe Institute)</figcaption></figure><a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/gamma-spectrometer-board-239alferov-satellite-begins-its-scientific-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source</a>.

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On September 20 and 22, the gamma-ray spectrometer successfully completed two test runs to verify its operability

The Gamma Spectrometer on Board the 239Alferov Satellite Begins Its Scientific Mission

The first Russian <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/products/cubesat-16U" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">16U CubeSat</a>, InnoSat16, was launched into orbit on July 25 as part of a constellation consisting of nine small satellites developed by Geoscan. The satellite is equipped with a panchromatic camera that captures grayscale data within an extended visible spectrum, providing clear imagery for Earth remote sensing applications.To assemble this satellite, Geoscan built a cleanroom — a specialized area with controlled environmental parameters. Designed for technological operations requiring minimal airborne contamination it covers an area of about 30 m2 and meets the ISO 7 cleanliness standard as defined by GOST R ISO 14644-1—2017.After the launch of InnoSat16,&nbsp;the cleanroom is being used to prepare for the upcoming space missions. At present, it hosts the assembly of <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/first-geoscan-16u-platform-based-satellite-developed" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lobachevsky</a>, another 16U CubeSat developed by Geoscan for Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod under the <a href="https://en.spacepi.space/">Space-π</a> project. The satellite carries an optical payload of hyper- and multispectral cameras and thus requires special assembly conditions. The launch of Lobachevsky into space is scheduled for late 2025.How the Geoscan's cleanroom is designedThe facility is built according to a zonal layout comprising three main functional areas. The first is an anteroom serving as a transition space, where personnel change into specialized cleanroom garments. Next comes an air shower, which removes any residual contamination from clothing and equipment surfaces using purified air.The primary working area is used for the assembly of satellites. It is equipped with antistatic flooring and technological equipment for working with high-precision optics and electronics. The ventilation and climate control system provides continuous air recirculation through HEPA filters, maintains stable temperature and humidity parameters, and ensures positive air pressure to prevent external contaminants from entering.Every design element supports ISO 7 cleanliness compliance and meets the rigorous standards for assembling small satellites equipped with onboard optoelectronic systems.<blockquote>“Building the cleanroom has been a milestone in the development of Geoscan's spaсe program. Not only has it expanded our research and production capabilities but also paved the way for large-scale projects in the field of space communications and remote sensing. We plan to enlarge the facility to support the preparation of <a href="https://mars.geoscan.ru/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">interplanetary missions</a> using small spacecraft — missions that could produce detailed 3D models of the Moon and Mars,” noted Vladimir Portnov, head of experimental production at Geoscan.</blockquote><a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/geoscans-cleanroom-where-satellites-are-assembled" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source</a>.

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A clean room as a key element of the spacecraft assembly process with optoelectronic systems

Where Satellites Are Assembled

On July 25, nine experimental small satellites developed by Geoscan were launched into a near-polar sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 km. These are: Geoscan-1, Geoscan-2, Geoscan-3, Geoscan-4, Geoscan-5, Geoscan-6, InnoSat3, InnoSat16, and 239Alferov. The launch took place from the Vostochny Cosmodrome at 8:54 Moscow time as part of the “Ionosfera-M” No. 3-4 mission onboard Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with Fregat booster.Ground stations in <a href="https://en.sonik.space/launches/10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SONIKS</a> and SatNOGS networks received the first signals from all satellites within five hours after launch. This allowed specialists from Geoscan’s Mission Control Center to conduct two-way communication sessions. The satellites successfully received commands and transmitted extended telemetry.<blockquote>“The launch proceeded as planned, with satellites successfully released from their deployment containers. All nine satellites activated their antenna holder burn-through systems, established contact with Earth stations, and transmitted data on the status of their onboard systems. At the time of deployment, the satellites were charged within nominal parameters. Now we will proceed with commissioning the CubeSats and gradually activating their payloads,” commented Geoscan satellite engineer-operator Egor Meltsov.</blockquote>The satellite <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/nine-geoscan-satellites-ready-launch" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">payloads</a> are purpose-made for testing communication technologies and Earth remote sensing. Additionally, eight 3U CubeSats are fitted with a new Geoscan GNSS antenna module to improve the reception quality of global navigation satellite system signals.The launch culminated the second <a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/satellite-developed-geoscan-carry-7787-names-orbit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">“Send Your Name to Space”</a> campaign. The 239Alferov satellite delivered 7,787 names and over 3,500 images from around the world into orbit. The most interesting 67 drawings will be broadcast in the amateur radio band at 436.27 MHz under the RS61S call sign.<blockquote>“This launch combines three key directions of Geoscan’s space expansion. The 239Alferov educational and scientific CubeSat furthers our collaboration with the Foundation for Assistance to Innovation under the Space-π project. Geoscan’s eight proprietary satellites represent a step forward in the development of space communication technologies and Earth remote sensing, enabling our company and its partners to create new competitive domestic services utilizing satellite constellations. This experience brings Geoscan closer to its long-term goal of <a href="https://mars.geoscan.ru/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">interplanetary missions</a> to create detailed 3D digital models of the Moon and Mars,“ said Alexander Khokhlov, Head of Small Spacecraft Projects at Geoscan.</blockquote>Photo source: Roscosmos State Corporation.<a href="https://www.geoscan.ru/en/blog/new-geoscan-satellites-establish-contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source</a>.

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One of the Satellites, 239Alferov, Expands Geoscan’s Educational Mission by Delivering Thousands of Names and 67 Drawings to Orbit

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