What is PolySat?
The Cal Poly CubeSat Laboratory, also known as PolySat, is a student-run, multidisciplinary independent research lab. As pioneers and leaders in CubeSat technology, our Cal Poly students have been at the forefront of CubeSat launches and innovation.
A CubeSat is a compact satellite, typically measuring 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm (known as a 1U), designed for cost-effective development. This accessibility empowers students and research institutions to conduct groundbreaking experiments and participate actively in space exploration at a much lower and realistic price.
Our achievements are largely facilitated through the NASA ELaNa program, and we have had the privilege of collaborating with prestigious teams such as NASA Goddard, NASA JPL, and SRI. To date, PolySat has successfully launched 12 satellites, with many more exciting projects currently in the works.
Our multidisciplinary team is composed of passionate students from various fields of study, all dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space technology and exploration.
Our Mission
The primary objective of the Cal Poly CubeSat Lab is to give students hands-on experience designing, building, and operating satellites while promoting team-building across multiple engineering disciplines. It is a prime example of Cal Poly's "learn by doing" philosophy and produces highly-trained and experienced graduates sought after throughout the industry.
Annual Reports
Check out the archive of annual reports to learn all about past projects, missions, and accomplishments in the Cal Poly CubeSat Lab.
Want to join our team?
See what we're up to at our lab.
Located at Building 192 (Engineering IV), Room 101