Welcome to the St PETER’S Space Program (SPSP).
In just one week, our students proved that the future of space exploration is already here, and it’s student-led.
Three launches. One mission. 30,000 metres into the stratosphere.
From June 12 to 14, our students carried out a trilogy of launches that turned theory into reality:
Thursday, June 12 – Icarus Mission: Double Balloon Launch from Vimbodí
We launched two high-altitude balloons, each carrying four CubeSats, at 11:26 and 11:27 from Vimbodí. The recovery turned into a true adventure: one payload got stuck in a tree, while the other landed in a wheat field. Thanks to the students’ creativity and teamwork — and a solid application of physics knowledge — all CubeSats were successfully recovered. Despite some technical challenges caused by temperature extremes, the mission captured breathtaking images from the stratosphere and provided invaluable learning.
Friday, June 13 – Zenith Mission: CubeSat Launch from Fals
Another CubeSat mission lifted off at 11:48 am from Falset and was later recovered near Mollerussa. This time, a three-unit CubeSat carried two cameras: one to capture the Earth’s curvature, and another with infrared imaging to map terrain. The mission was documented by Arnau Brotons, who is now producing a short film using the visual data collected from the stratosphere.
Saturday, June 14 – Phoenix Mission: Rocket Launch with Rocketry Spain
A custom-built rocket was launched by Nikita Kornilov, in collaboration with the Rocketry Spain Club. Although the rocket broke due to its powerful motor, the launch itself was a thrilling success — captured on video by drone, and celebrated as a culmination of Nikita’s passion and perseverance.
Part of the IB Curriculum
All these missions are born from our commitment to inquiry-based learning through the IB MYP Design framework. Nikita’s rocket originated from his Extended Essay in the Diploma Programme, and his continued improvements are a testament to self-driven learning.
Real Science, Real Learning
These are more than launches. They’re full STEM experiences. Students planned, built, launched, tracked, recovered, and now, they’re analyzing the data.
- Stratospheric photos and infrared imagery
- Scientific experiments by Year 4 students
- Technical flight reports and GPS data
Everything is being processed, shared, and reflected upon, turning raw data into deeper understanding.
Lights, Camera, Space
To capture the essence of the CubeSat journey, Arnau Brotons (Year 11) directed and produced a short documentary. The film reveals the passion, precision, and perseverance behind each step of the launch. Watch it here!
How the SPSP started
Explore our journey from the beginning:
More than a science project
This is what education looks like when you go a step beyond. Students led with questions, solved real problems, and launched their ideas into the sky.
These aren’t just prototypes. They’re pathways.
Not just launches. But liftoffs into creativity, engineering, and ambition.
“The Earth is the cradle of humanity, but mankind cannot stay in the cradle forever.”
– Konstantin Tsiolkovsky
