Successful Deployment of Mexican Satellite Gxiba-1, Selected in the Sixth Round of KiboCUBE Programme

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

 On February 3, 2026, Gxiba-1 was successfully deployed from the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” of the International Space Station (ISS).
 The CubeSat was developed by the team of Popular Autonomous University of the State of Puebla (UPAEP), selected as the winner of the sixth round of KiboCUBE programme run by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). H.E. Ms. Melba Pría, Ambassador of Mexico to Japan, along with embassy officials and members of the satellite development team, visited the Tsukuba Space Center to witness the deployment. It was also streamed live online, with stakeholders in Mexico holding a public viewing to watch the event.
 Gxiba-1 has been operated by the team of UPAEP following its deployment, and the experience gained through the development and operation of the satellite is expected to contribute to the future space activities in Mexico.

Timeline through the deployment of Gxiba-1

JAXA Director General of Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, MATSUURA Mayumi, said:

Congratulations to the entire team at the Popular Autonomous University of the State of Puebla (UPAEP) on the successful deployment of Gxiba-1 from the Kibo module. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation and respect to everyone involved, including the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and UPAEP, for their tremendous efforts and dedication.
We understand that Gxiba-1 will now begin the next phase of its mission, conducting optical observations to monitor volcanic activity and track the dispersion of volcanic ash. We sincerely wish these important missions every success.
It would be our great pleasure if the experience gained through the development and operation of this satellite contributes to the further advancement of Mexico’s space activities. JAXA looks forward to future opportunities to take on new challenges in space, together with the people of Mexico.

Director of UNOOSA Aarti Holla-Maini said:
Congratulations to UPAEP for this tremendous accomplishment. Gxiba-1 reflects the dedication and collaboration between UNOOSA, JAXA and UPAEP, exemplifying the power of global cooperation. We are proud to partner with JAXA to create more opportunities in enabling access to space for all. Through such international collaboration, our work directly supports capacity development where it is needed and valued.

Rector Emilio Baños of UPAEP University in Puebla, Mexico, said:
I really appreciate JAXA’s cooperation in launching and deploying our satellite, Gxiba-1, and express our gratitude to JAXA and UNOOSA for permitting emerging countries to develop their space capabilities. These kinds of challenges allow us to give our students a better understanding of technical and scientific knowledge and skills that surely will be part of their future in the space industry or in academic development. For Mexico, it represents a very motivating milestone to pursue in the near future: investing and working to develop its own Aerospace Industry and human resources to meet the country’s needs. Again, we express our deep and sincere gratitude to everyone involved in making our dream a reality.

H.E. Ms. Melba Pría, Ambassador of Mexico to Japan, said:
Today’s successful　deployment of Gxiba-1 demonstrates the talent and creativity of Mexico’s students, researchers, and faculty, and the value of international cooperation for sustainable space exploration. We sincerely thank JAXA, UNOOSA, and the KiboCUBE program for their commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening our collaboration with Japan.