A cubesat is a miniature satellite designed to withstand extreme conditions. They are usually used for communications, earth observation, and other applications. The construction of a cubesat is a complex process that requires expertise from many different fields. Here is what you need to know about building a cubesat:
First, a cubesat must be well designed. The main components of a cubesat are the primary and secondary payloads, the Satellite Propulsion System (SPS), the attitude control system, the communications antennae, and the payload. SPS is used to maintain the satellite’s altitude while it’s in orbit. Attitude control systems are used to keep the satellite on its intended path. Communications antennas send and receive signals via radio waves and direct the use of these waves. Before launching a cubesat, engineers must decide which components are necessary for its function. Once this decision is made, it’s simple to design the spacecraft based on those requirements.
Once a design is ready, it must be tested in an environment similar to what the spacecraft will experience in space. This involves testing the spacecraft in a wind tunnel or an actual space environment. After this testing, engineers will have a much better idea of how their designs will hold up in space. In addition, this test allows for any necessary design changes before launching the spacecraft. Once testing is complete, it’s time to put together a prototype of the spacecraft. This involves manufacturing several copies of parts needed for the spacecraft and testing them individually before assembling them into an actual spacecraft.
Assembling the actual spacecraft is only half of the process; now it’s time to send it into space- or at least as far as possible without destroying it. It’s important to aim cubesats towards specific areas of space so they can reach their intended destinations. Because these destinations are generally far away from Earth, launch trajectories must be carefully planned as well. After launch, there’s no turning back; once in orbit, cubesats are out of everyone’s hands and must face the unforgiving vacuum of space on their own.
Building a cubesat is an incredibly complicated process that requires years of research and development. Once finalized, cubesats are easy to build and can be used for many different purposes. Since everything has been done beforehand, all that’s left is waiting for launch- and then hopefully understanding how to use your new pet project!
The cubesat kit by KSF Space Foundation was made to make the assembling and coding much easier than traditional way in building a cubesat, the cubesat kit by KSF Space Foundation is made and designed for beginners and schools or universities who are developing their 1st cubesat / nanosatellite mission, the module is ready to fly to sub-orbital flight and was tested in microgravity in many similar space missions. The cost of cubesat kit by KSF Space considered the world’s cheapest kit out there.