Mexico’s First Commercial Femtosatellites in space are live!
Mission overview
On 19 August 2025 at 07:33 UTC, Mexico took a bold step into the new space era with the launch of ThumbSat-1 and ThumbSat-2 aboard a Lijian-1 rocket from Jiuquan, China - marking Mexico's first commercial satellites of a new generation.
These femtosatellites, carries a technology once reserved for much larger spacecrafts. Their mission is simple but powerful: to prove that satellites no longer need to be big to be meaningful.
ThumbSat-1 carries a mirror-selfie payload
ThumbSat-2 carries an artistic payload, merging science and creativity, reminding us that exploration is not only about data but also about expression.
This flight also marks the first international commercial mission for CAS Space, one of China’s emerging launch providers and ThumbSat's strategic and launch partner. The mission was made possible through close collaboration between CAS Space and ThumbSat, who together designed a specialized deployer - the result of a small, international team uniting talent from Mexico, the UK, China, and beyond.
But this mission is not only about the satellites. Through its outreach program, ThumbSat placed ground-receiving stations in the hands of students and citizen scientists across Mexico. With antennas and software provided free of charge, young volunteers were be able to track signals from orbit and take part in a mission that crosses borders and disciplines.
Why ThumbSat matters
ThumbSat‑1 and ThumbSat‑2 are a statement: space can be accessible, inclusive, and imaginative. The next generation will not simply watch the sky but actively connect with orbit and decode real signals.
First wave of Mexico’s commercial femtosatellites
Specialized deployer co‑designed with CAS Space
Citizen‑science program with nationwide student stations
Modulation
2GFSK @ 1200 bps
Center frequency
400.600 MHz
Deviation
±1500 Hz (peaks ~3000 Hz apart)
Mission Highlights
Perfect orbital insertion at 07:46:00 UTC on 19 Aug 2025 via CAS Space Lijian‑1 Y10.
First confirmed communication success: expert‑validated ThumbSat transmission captured by the distributed ground network.
Operated at the 10 cm radar detection threshold, at the edge of detectability for ground‑based tracking.
Orbital confirmation enabled generation of accurate TLE sets for continued predictions.
Zero safety or compliance incidents; all transmissions within license terms.
Strong public participation and positive feedback across program events.
100% subsystem validation
Citizen‑Science Architecture
Educational partnerships: Schools and colleges recruited as ground stations for hands‑on STEM learning.
Volunteer network: Dedicated citizen scientists equipped with specialized tracking equipment.
Equipment donated: SDR receivers, signal amplifiers, filters, and optimized antenna systems to support tracking.
Event dates: 19–22 Aug 2025 Audience: Volunteers • Students • Educators • Media
Groundstation Briefing
Follow these steps to capture ThumbSat signals and contribute.
Software
Use SDR# (SDRSharp) for receiving signals. Configure continuous operation and, if possible, auto‑recording on signal thresholds.
Signal & bandwidth
Type: 2GFSK at 1200 bps
Center frequency: 400.600 MHz
Deviation: about ±1500 Hz with two peaks ~3000 Hz apart on spectrum
Suggested RF bandwidth: ~6000 Hz
Antenna alignment
Pass directions: north→south and south→north
Monopole/whip: align in general direction of flight
Directional/Yagi: keep upright with elements along the north–south axis
For low passes in N or S, tilt slightly toward path
"The experience for the bachelor's and master's level students was excellent! They learned about connectors, amplifiers, software cables, real satellites and signals, but mainly about teamwork"
"The entire experience has been very interesting and enriching for the students. We intend to continue making use of, and learning with the equipment that has been provided to us"
"The hands-on time with antennas, SDR, and signal tracking turned abstract lectures into real skills. The teamwork made it stick"
"I joined curious and left confident. I can set up, track, decode, and document a full pass"
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