At the UChicago Space Program, we are dedicated to advancing space science while simultaneously enriching our community through outreach initiatives, ranging from workshops to seminars to hands-on activities. Our commitment to education and engagement enhances public understanding of the universe and promotes interest in STEM fields among students of all ages.

UChicago Undergraduate Research Symposium 

Learn about UCSP’s multi-year participation in the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

South Side Science Festival

For the past two years, members of UCSP volunteered at Hyde Park’s South Side Science Festival; a hands-on science learning event for elementary, middle, and high school students interested in aerospace engineering and astronomy hosted at the UChicago campus. At our booth, they engaged in a laser-pointing optics demonstration, explored UCSP model rockets, and learned about UCSP, PULSE-A, and the wider CubeSat Launch Initiative Program.

Lectures

Learn about UCSP hosted lectures from various academics and professionals in the aerospace industry. Recently we were thrilled to host UCSP founder and former President Joalda Morancy!

Conferences

Learn about UCSP members’ participation in various aerospace conferences. Members have attended and published works at SmallSat, IEEE Aerospace, SPIE, The cFS Symposium, and SWE.

Workshops

Learn about UCSP-organized workshops for our members. As part of our educational mission, UCSP has hosted workshops educating members on topics such as networking, resume building, DC circuits, and soldering.

UCW Campus STEAM Carnival

On April 18th, members of UCSP hosted a booth at the Woodlawn Campus of the University of Chicago Charter Schools. There, we presented and engaged with 6th-12th grade students about the various aspects of PULSE-A’s mission, engaging with students to familiarize and inspire them towards considering STEAM education.

Group of five diverse students standing around a table with a laptop, pamphlets, and a 3D model, engaging in conversation at a school event.

UCSP x RAS Observation Night

UCSP collaborated with the Ryerson Astronomical Society to host an observation night during Parent's weekend when friends and family of UChicago were on campus.

Collage of five photos showing people observing and exploring a science or observatory facility with telescopes, an outdoor sunset, and an indoor telescope viewing area.

UCSP x La Universidad del Valle Guatemala

Maya Shah McDaniel, Optical Lead of PULSE-A, discussed optical communications and their applications in space exploration. She highlighted improvements in data transmission over radio frequency methods, noting higher data rates and bandwidth efficiency. Maya also addressed challenges such as atmospheric interference and system alignment, stressing ongoing research for reliable communication in future missions.

A woman standing and presenting to a group of people seated in rows inside a classroom or conference room. The presenter is gesturing with her hands while beside her is a large monitor displaying a slide titled 'Polarization Keying'.