UNB tracks NASA Artemis II Mission from Atlantic Canada

From Hilary Creamer, UNB News and Springboard Content LAb

Researchers at Springboard Network member University of New Brunswick have successfully picked up signals from NASA’s Integrity spacecraft on its journey around the Moon. UNB is the only Canadian university involved in tracking the Orion spacecraft Integrity as it orbits the moon.

Key Takeaways

• UNB researchers successfully tracked radio signals from NASA’s Artemis II moon mission
• UNB is the only Canadian university involved in tracking the spacecraft
• The mission marks the first crewed lunar journey in over 50 years
• Atlantic Canada is contributing to global space innovation through academic research
• Students gain hands-on experience in real-world aerospace systems

Dr. Brent Petersen, a professor of communications in UNB’s department of electrical and computer engineering and student researcher Megan MacDonald, confirmed detection of a radio frequency transmission from Integrity during early‑morning operations at the UNB Earth Station.

“On Saturday, April 4, at the UNB Earth Station, Megan MacDonald and I were able to detect the radio frequency transmission of Integrity … Integrity was 16.5 degrees above the horizon, and the azimuth was 186.5 degrees, which meant the antenna was looking over the Student Union Building. There were high-fives in the control room.”

– Dr. Brent Petersen, professor of communications in UNB’s department of electrical and computer engineering

From left, Megan MacDonald, Olivia Gerry Rice and Brent Petersen after successfully receiving radio signals from NASA’s Artemis II mission.

UNB only Canadian university selected by NASA

NASA selected UNB as one of only three Canadian contributors helping to track Integrity during its 10‑day mission around the moon. Of the three Canadian contributors, UNB is the only Canadian university involved.

UNB’s contribution brings together expertise from CubeSatNB, the department of electrical and computer engineering, the department of geodesy and geomatics engineering, and the UNB Earth Station. The multidisciplinary team supports hands‑on learning and advanced research in satellite communications.

Project brings together UNB expertise:

• Electrical and computer engineering
• Geodesy and geomatics engineering
• Satellite communications (CubeSatNB)
• The UNB Earth Station

This multidisciplinary collaboration demonstrates how Atlantic Canadian institutions are advancing cutting-edge aerospace research while training the next generation of innovators.

As part of a global network of academic partners, commercial providers and volunteer stations, UNB is helping to passively track Integrity’s radio signals during its voyage to and from the moon, contributing real‑world data to a historic space mission.

“Aerospace engineering is alive and well at UNB,” said Dr. Richard Langley, professor of geodesy and precision navigation in the department of geodesy and geomatics engineering.

For Dr. Langley, involvement in the project feels like déjà vu in some ways. As a postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology decades ago, he analyzed lunar laser ranging data. “In a way, I’m going back to the moon just like the Artemis program,” Dr. Langley said.

Artemis II marks NASA’s first crewed mission to the moon in more than 50 years. Four astronauts are aboard the spacecraft, which is travelling around the moon testing critical life‑support, navigation and communication systems to help pave the way for future lunar exploration.

FAQs

What is the Artemis II mission?

Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission around the Moon in more than 50 years, designed to test spacecraft systems for future lunar exploration.

What role did UNB play?

UNB researchers tracked radio signals from the Orion spacecraft using their Earth Station, contributing data to the mission.

Why is this important for Atlantic Canada?

It highlights the region’s growing leadership in advanced research and its role in global innovation, particularly in aerospace and satellite communications.

How does this benefit students?

Students gain hands-on experience working with real satellite data and participating in a historic international mission.

Is Canada involved in Artemis II?

Yes, Canada is a key partner, including participation from the Canadian Space Agency and astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

About Springboard

University of New Brunswick is a member of the Springboard Network of 19 post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada. Our mission is to grow the economy through industry – academic collaborations and research commercialization.