CHESTERTON ACADEMY OF ST. JAMES & ALBA ORBITAL ANNOUNCE CONTRACT TO LAUNCH EDUCATIONAL 1P POCKETQUBE PROJECT INTO ORBIT
Students at Chesterton Academy of St. James
Bringing classical education to the stars through hands-on satellite learning
Date – Alba Orbital, the world’s leading PocketQube launch provider, is pleased to announce a contract with the Chesterton Academy of St. James, located in Menlo Park, CA, in Silicon Valley, to develop and launch a PocketQube satellite project designed to inspire students through real-world space science and engineering
The project marks the beginning of an ongoing educational space initiative that will integrate satellite development and orbital research into the school’s curriculum, including student-built sensors and hands-on data analysis.
THE EDUCATIONAL POCKETQUBE PROJECT
The mission will center around a PocketQube, a miniature satellite measuring just 5 cm³ per unit, offering a low-cost, hands-on entry into space exploration for educational institutions. Alba Orbital will support the Chesterton Academy team with Launch and integration.
“This initiative gives students the opportunity to experience what it means to bring an idea from concept to orbit,” said Tom Walkinshaw, Founder and CEO of Alba Orbital.
A NEW DIMENSION TO CLASSICAL EDUCATION
Guided by its motto Cultura Vitae (“the culture of life”), the Chesterton Academy of St. James provides a Catholic classical education that combines academic excellence with character and faith formation.
“If seeds in the black Earth can turn into such beautiful roses, what might not the heart of man become in its long journey towards the stars?” - G.K. Chesterton
The Chesterton Academy of st. James will extend its multi- and inter-disciplinary educational approach to the Satellite Project. Students will explore the connections among the fields of Science, Technology, Math, Philosophy, Art, and even Theology, as they build, program, launch and learn from a real satellite in orbit. The Satellite Project will be supplemented by studies in the Philosophy and Ethics of Technology, a pioneering effort at the high school curricular level.
ABOUT ALBA ORBITAL
Alba Orbital (UK, USA, Germany) is the world’s leading PocketQube company, having delivered over 57 pico-satellites into orbit with launch partners such as SpaceX and Rocket Lab. A vertically integrated NewSpace company, Alba Orbital is ‘democratising access to space’ by providing turnkey solutions — from satellite platforms to low-cost launch opportunities and ground station services. Alba has worked with over 40 customers worldwide, including universities, start-ups, and research organisations.
Contact: contact@albaorbital.com
ABOUT CHESTERTON ACADEMY OF ST. JAMES
Chesterton Academy of St. James is a Catholic classical high school committed to forming students in intellect, character, and spirituality, following the model of its patron, G.K. Chesterton.
The Chesterton Academy of St. James is located in Menlo Park, CA, the Silicon Valley home to some of the world’s most influential tech companies. The school’s mission is to form the next generation of saints - that is, not simply generic “leaders” but individuals inspired by and dedicated to the pursuit of truth and habitual practice of the good.
The history of Catholic scientists is a storied-one, which include among others: St. Albert the Great (Astronomy, Physiology, Geography and Natural Sciences), St. Hildegard of Bingen (Medicine and Pharmacy), Bl.Nicolas Steno (father of Geology), St. Giuseppe Moscati (Biochemistry and Medicine), Fr. Georges Lemaître (Physics), Gregor Mendel (father of Genetics), Nicolas Copernicus (Astronomy), André-Marie Ampère (father of Electromagnetism), Louis Pasteur (Vaccinology and Medicine)
“At the heart of classical education is wonder - not just a curiosity about the world around us, which is the beginning of all inquiry including science, but also an awe for the complexity and simplicity of the created world, and an appreciation for the fact that it - and we - exist.
The Satellite Project will provide our students many lessons beyond building and launching a PocketQube. We are excited about the partnership with Alba Orbital and are indebted to the mentors and supporters of our Satellite Project.” Lyra Rufino-Maceda Executive Director, Chesterton Academy of St. James