The Western Skylark CubeSat Project
A 3U CubeSat for next-generation tracking of migratory wildlife using the Motus telemetry system.
About Us:
The Western Skylark CubeSat enhances wildlife tracking by collecting space-based data on migratory songbirds, waterbirds, and shorebirds. We provide hands-on training for students in CubeSat construction and operation. Our project contributes to a better understanding of animal movements and supports conservation efforts.
- The Skylark CubeSat project also promotes student involvement in the amateur radio community; Skylark will carry an AX.25 telemetry data beacon that can be received by other ameteur radio users.
- MOTUS is a student-developed amateur radio hardware, and our mission will demonstrate the effectiveness of MOTUS technology, extend the MOTUS network, and show the efficiency of a 3U CubeSat in collecting and relaying MOTUS data with speed and precision.
- Any students who are interested in learning more about amateur radio operation or obtaining their Amateur Radio Operator Certificate can contact the London Amateur Radio Club at https://larc.ca/.
- Mission specifications: https://github.com/Western-Skylark/Amateur-radio
Our Mission:
- Training Objective: Empower undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on experience in space mission operations, CubeSat design, and construction.
- Technical Objective: Demonstrate the effectiveness of a 3U CubeSat in efficiently collecting and relaying MOTUS data with speed and precision.
- Scientific Objective: Gather groundbreaking data on migratory songbirds, waterbirds, and shorebirds through remote tracking stations, enhancing our understanding of their migration behavior.
- Outreach Objective: Engage with local outreach groups incuding such as poster presentations, collaboration with London Amateur Radio Club, public talks at the Cronyn Observatory, a booth during the Western Science Rendezvous, teaching high school students about CubeSats at Western Engineering Summer Academy, and volunteering at the Girls in Aviation event.
Amateur Radio:
Amateur Radio (or HAM radio for short) is the use of radio frequency bands for non-commercial interests, such as recreation, emergency communications, technical experimentation, or competitions. The Skylark satellite will use amateur radio to communicate with the ground station and the Motus transmission units.
- Radio communication parameters are in the determination phase and will be announced on this page once issued in early 2026.
- By getting involved with amateur radio, you can earn a unique callsign, learn more about radio theory, and be prepared to use long distance communication in emergencies.
- To learn more about getting your Amateur Radio Licence, check out study materials at Amateur radio exam generator and HamStudy.org.
- The Skylark Radio Communications team is hosting an Amateur Radio info session for Western students on November 27th at 12:30.
Video:Skylark promotional video created by Western Space
