MMkisat

MMkisat is a network of student-led small satellite projects that originated in Finland and has grown to involve multiple universities and research institutions. The program focuses on hands-on training in aerospace engineering and space systems, with teams designing, building, and testing miniature satellites for in-orbit experiments. Projects typically employ established small-satellite standards, with CubeSat configurations being common; teams pursue missions ranging from communications experiments to Earth observation or science payloads. The program emphasizes interdisciplinarity, bringing together students in engineering, computer science, and data analysis, and collaborates with academic staff, industry partners, and sometimes space agencies. Operations usually include academic coursework ties, ground testing facilities, and ground-station networks enabling tracking and data downlink. As a recurring program, MMkisat supports annual project cycles and dissemination of results through open data and publications. The name and scope may vary by institution, and different teams may run independent projects under the MMkisat umbrella. Related topics include CubeSat, nanosatellite, and space education.