UNLV ATLAS-1:
Help Nevada Students Go to Space!
Backed by leading aerospace industry partners and NASA mentors, UNLV ATLAS-1 is developing one of Nevada’s first student-built satellites, positioning the state for a historic CubeSat launch. After presenting at NASA conferences and completing key phases of satellite fabrication and testing, our team is executing Nevada’s first high-altitude balloon campaign as a pivotal milestone toward a prospective 2027 orbital mission — your support helps launch Nevada students into space!
From Las Vegas to Low-Earth Orbit
UNLV ATLAS-1 (Analysis of Temperature and Radiation in Low-Earth Orbit for Analog Studies) is working to become one of the first student-built satellites launched into space in Nevada history. Our interdisciplinary team has presented at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, established industry and academic partnerships, and is preparing Nevada’s first student-led high-altitude balloon campaign this March as a precursor to orbit.
Our mission is to collect temperature and radiation data in near-space environments to advance analog research for low-Earth orbit missions. With Nevada yet to launch a CubeSat, ATLAS-1 represents a pivotal step toward establishing lasting space access and aerospace infrastructure for UNLV and the state.
By donating to our mission, your support directly enables:
• High-altitude balloon (HAB) launch and recovery operations (launch scheduled for March 28, 2026)
• Flight hardware upgrades for spaceflight readiness
• Radiation and thermal sensor integration
• Presentation and engagement at conferences for space launch opportunities
• Hands-on student training and workforce development in aerospace engineering
Through mentorship and philanthropic investment, we aim to position UNLV as a trailblazer in student-driven space innovation.
When you think of Nevada, aerospace may not come to mind — but by supporting ATLAS-1, we can change that together.