Satellite built by Maine students is ready to launch into space [Video]

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — After many delays, a satellite built by University of Maine System students is about to launch into space.

The project, a collaboration by engineering teams at UMaine and the University of Southern Maine, has been five years in the making. The satellite will carry payloads designed by middle school and high school students in Falmouth, Fryeburg, and Saco.

The goal is to study climate change, including solar infrared radiation and algae blooms.

The satellite is set to launch overnight Sunday at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, but the data will be transmitted back to Maine.

The project is part of NASA’s Cube Sat Launch Initiative, through a partnership with the Maine Space Grant Consortium.

Those behind the project say it’s about making sure our state doesn’t miss out on the future of a space economy.

“We hope this project will get students excited …