The spacecraft is not only an educational achievement - SSETI Express will be a fully operational satellite. As well as launching the CubeSat pico-satellites it will take pictures of the Earth, function as a radio transponder for the global amateur radio community, and act as a test-bed and technology demonstrator for the even more adventurous student spacecraft planned for the future. In 2008 ESEO, a European Student Earth Orbiter, will be launched. To be followed by a European Student Moon Orbiter sometime between 2010 and 2012.

Spachab Advances New Multipurpose Spacecraf

Spacedev Microsat To Travel Interplanetary Superhighway To The Moon

Japanese Astronaut Soichi Noguchi In First Space Flight

• http://www.spacedaily.com/news/shuttle-05zzo.html