Dream Big: A Novel, Flexible and Robust ½U ThinSat Constellation Solution

The Dream Big project is a joint initiative between NearSpace Launch (NSL) and NearSpace Education (NSE), combining commercial satellite development with hands-on educational outreach. Focused on advanced manufacturing and space entrepreneurship, the program engages university teams in designing, building, and integrating custom payloads into a novel ½U ThinSat bus. Over the past year, six Midwestern universities completed Phase 1, culminating in the development of six student-built payloads integrated into the NSL bus scheduled for launch in late 2025 or early 2026. In addition to satellite development, teams conducted high-altitude balloon flights to validate hardware and promote STEM engagement in their communities. This presentation will showcase the system’s innovative flight and ground support technologies, highlight contributions to workforce development, and share key progress updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned from across the program.