| Keyword |
Description |
| Volcano |
A mountain that can explode and send out hot lava, rocks, gas, and ash |
| Safety |
Being protected from danger or harm |
| Science |
Using questions, tests, and observations to understand how the world and space work |
In Mexico, a group of university students in Puebla built a tiny satellite to watch the volcano Popocatépetl, also called “El Popo” or “Don Goyo.” The satellite is named Gxiba‑1 and orbits very high above Earth, at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers. Its job is to observe the volcano and determine how much gas and ash it emits into the air. This is important because Popocatépetl has been very active, and Mexico’s disaster agency, Cenapred, gave a yellow alert asking people to stay far away from the crater.
Gxiba‑1 has a special camera that helps scientists see where the ash goes so they can warn people if there is danger. The project is part of an international program called KiboCUBE, where the United Nations and Japan help countries send small satellites into space. Students from UPAEP University, together with their teachers, worked for years to design and build this satellite. The name “Gxiba” comes from the Zapotec language and means “universe” or “stars,” joining modern space science with Mexico’s Indigenous cultures.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Volcano |
Volcán |
| Camera |
Cámara |
| United Nations |
Naciones Unidas |
Time to discuss
- Should students help watch dangerous places like volcanoes?
- Is it a good idea to use space technology to protect people on Earth?
- Would you feel safer knowing a satellite is watching a volcano near your city?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Imagine you could build a satellite. What would you like it to watch or study, and why?
- How do you think Gxiba‑1 helps families who live close to Popocatépetl?
