Who we are
CavSat is UVA’s student-run satellite design team
We are looking for students of all majors and all experience levels to design and build satellites across systems, structures, mechanisms, flight software, communications, and electronics.
Our competition team takes applications annually, but members can work on the long-term project at any time.
What we build
Our two projects
One is a hard-deadline competition that flies every summer. The other is a multi-year spacecraft aimed at a question about Virginia’s own atmosphere.
For context
What a 3U CubeSat is
CubeSats are built to a standard size, measured in units: one “U” is a 10 cm cube weighing a kilogram or two, and spacecraft are assembled by stacking them. Our long-term spacecraft is a 3U — three cubes in a row, about the size of a loaf of bread. UVA students have flown one before.
Where we are
Mission timeline
Requirements through launch. Select a stage to read it — the current one is highlighted.
Behind the competition
Who sponsors CanSat
The CanSat competition is run by the American Astronautical Society and sponsored by the organisations below. They sponsor the competition itself, not CavSat. We competed as team 1057 in the 2025–26 season.
Members only
Workshops that make you employable
We run a workshop series open only to CavSat members. Topics include Introduction to Space Systems, PCB design, soldering and hands-on assembly, and résumé review — the practical skills and the industry preparation that are hard to pick up in a lecture. Being in the club is a real advantage when you go looking for internships and jobs in the space sector.
Sessions are announced in the Discord and are not open to non-members, so joining the Discord is how you get access.
Get involved
Come build a satellite.
Join the listserv so we know you are coming, then join the Discord and turn up to a meeting.
Open to all majors, all schools, and all years.