The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has confirmed the takeoff window of the Gxiba-1 satellite, developed at the Popular Autonomous University of the State of Puebla (UPAEP). The maneuver is scheduled for the October 21st at 11:00 (JST), equivalent to 20:00 p.m. on October 20 in Mexico.
This is a significant milestone for the country's science and engineering: it will be the second Mexican satellite destined for the International Space Station, and both have been conceived in Mexico itself. UPAEP, strengthening the institution's role in the aerospace ecosystem.
Date, time and place of the launch
The takeoff will take place from the Tanegashima Space Base, at the southern tip of the Japanese archipelago. Time synchronization —11:00 in Japan y 20:00 PM the day before in Mexico— will facilitate monitoring of the operation from both countries.
The mission is the result of direct collaboration with JAXA and involved fulfilling technical and safety requirements especially demanding, which the team describes as even stricter than NASA's in previous experiences.
From the direction of Aerospace Projects of the UPAEP it is emphasized that the Japanese method is hypermeticulous, with exhaustive reviews at every stage, a bar that the team claims to have met with ease.
A project with the UPAEP seal
Gxiba-1 is the result of joint work between teachers and students of UPAEP, with the participation of more than 20 students from multiple areas: aerospace, mechatronics, electronics, bionics and industrial, among others.
The presence of women has been decisive: Carlota García Campillo, from Aerospace Engineering, coordinates the Mission Operations area, while another colleague is in charge of the ground station, reflecting diverse leadership in key roles.
For those who are part of the project, this experience has accompanied their university stage and has allowed them apply knowledge in a real environment, collaborating in a multidisciplinary manner and with international standards.
Gxiba-1 mission and lifespan
The satellite payload is intended to monitor ash dispersion of active volcanoes in Mexico, with special attention to the Popocatepetl, providing valuable images and data for research and prevention.
An operational life of approximately one year in orbit, in line with the achievements of AztechSat-1, the Puebla team's first university satellite launched in 2019.
With its arrival in orbit, Gxiba-1 will become the second Mexican satellite with a stop at the EEI, a step forward that supports the maturity of the capabilities developed at UPAEP.
Collaborations and next steps
The university has been invited to collaborate with the UNAM and the IPN in the design of a Mexican satellite constellation, an initiative that will expand the country's scientific and technological reach through inter-institutional cooperation.
The UPAEP faculty does not rule out promoting a third satellite in the short term, continuing a line of work that already places Puebla and Mexico on the map of space activity.
With the date and time already set, a mission focused on volcanic safety and a multidisciplinary team behind it, Gxiba-1 will take off from Tanegashima under JAXA standards while UPAEP strengthens alliances with UNAM and IPN and prepares the ground for new missions.
