The UK Space Agency successfully launched the UKube-1 nano satellite into space from a rocket that took off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan earlier this month.

The ‘cube-sat’ is carrying six ‘payloads’ in a space not much larger than a shoebox, according to its manufacturer, Glasgow-based Clyde Space.

Dr Chris Castelli, acting director of programmes at the Agency, said: “UKube-1 is an excellent example of how access to space can be made cheaper and opened out to a wide range of users through a nation-wide collaborative ‘cube-sat’ programme. We’re looking forward to the first science and ‘out-reach’ from this small but innovative mission.”

UKube-1’s ‘payloads’ include: the first GPS device aimed at measuring plasmaspheric space weather; a camera that will take images of the Earth and test the effect of radiation on space hardware; an experiment to demonstrate the feasibility of using cosmic radiation to improve the security of communications satellites; and an educational project designed to engage and inspire school pupils.