The Suttonian Foundation are supporting Helios Cubesat, a student-led satellite mission, with the overwhelming majority of the team from Sutton Grammar School. They are launching a 6U CubeSat into space for Earth observation, measuring surface temperature, vegetation and water cover, and soil moisture across 20 major global cities, including London, New York, and Mumbai, with a target launch date of early-2027.  

The data that Helios collects will be extremely high-resolution and will be used for highly-detailed, district-level heat insights, allowing them to identify precise areas that are most vulnerable to the extreme heat at different times. In addition, they will also use this data to identify effective urban cooling decisions and solutions and are partnering with local authorities to advise and implement them. Helios already has an ongoing partnership with the Greater London Authority as a stakeholder on their Heat Risk Plan. All of this data will be open-access, allowing scientists, local authorities and urban planners alike to access and use for research purposes. 

With the backing and endorsement of the European Space Agency, Helios is now in its Critical Design Phase, and is nearing completion of the CubeSat design. They are currently fundraising to be able to procure the components they need for the satellite. In March, they are hosting the Helios Gala, a flagship fundraising event bringing together all project stakeholders to catalyse further funding and partnerships. The Helios Gala is a major milestone for them that will be the first poignant step in their success with this project. They require £5,000 in order to make headway into the preparations for this significant event that will enable Team Helios to proceed onto the next part of their journey. 

They hope that the success of the Helios Gala will be a vital step as they seek to secure further funding for core components of the CubeSat. They ultimately need to raise around £50,000 to make this project a success. 

If you are able to contribute your expertise or financial support, we would love to hear from you.  Please contact: development@suttongrammar.school 

Any money will be well spent supporting one of the most ambitious student STEM projects that SGS has ever produced. Not only will you be a supporter of climate innovation, but you will also be helping one of the most groundbreaking student projects currently taking place in the world, demonstrating what young people can achieve on a global scale. Please also share this pitch to any contacts that may be able to offer their support. 

To follow their progress and receive mission updates, you can follow them on their LinkedIn page by searching Helios CubeSat or on Instagram at @helios_cubesat. Any contribution or connection makes a real difference.

Thank you for taking the time out to read about Helios and for your support.