Pocketqube Satellite- Smaller and More Affordable

Originated in 2009 as an idea from Professor Robert J. Twiggs, the PocketQubes are a cube-shaped platform of 50×50 mm with a mass of no more than 250g for which typically Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) electronics are used.

Versatile Capabilities: Enable tasks from Earth observation to scientific research.

Ideal for Diverse Users: Tailored for educational institutions, hobbyists, and small companies

Cost-Effectiveness: Budget-friendly construction democratizes space access.

Open Source Pocketqube Projects

In the world of PocketQube satellites, one exciting trend is the rise of open-source projects. These projects focus on collaboration, transparency, and making satellite tech available to more people. Let's dive into some of the noteworthy open-source PocketQube initiatives, seeing how they're making space more accessible for everyone.

$50sat (1.5p), Morehead State University

$50SAT (AKA Eagle-2) was one of the first PocketQubes ever launched and has since inspired waves of engineers to start building their own satellites! Launched in 2013, the primary mission of this 1.5P PocketQube was to create a cost effective platform for students to to develop hands-on engineering skills in the classroom. Developed by the Father of Cubesat and PocketQubes during his time at Morehead State University, Prof Bob Twiggs, $50SAT was a successful Amateur Radio mission that lasted in orbit for 20 months!

Pycubed-mini (1p), Carnegie Mellon University (Cmu)

PyCubed-Mini is Carnegie Mellon University’s open-source 1p PocketQube satellite research platform designed with affordability and user-friendliness in-mind. By utilizing readily available components and simple 3D-printed structural elements, the platform significantly reduces the entry barriers, making it accessible to universities, high schools, and individuals eager to engage in space exploration and pursue their research interests. The PyCubed-Mini platform represents a significant step towards democratizing space exploration and supporting innovation in the satellite development community. Removing financial barriers and simplifying hardware and software integration will empower students and hobbyists to contribute to space research and advances in space technology.

Sattla-0 (2p), Ariel University

SATLLA-0, also known as satllazero, is an open-source project that aims to develop a fully functional pico-satellite. The project includes both the software and hardware of the pico satellite, as well as a ground station. The goal of the project is to enable any science class (in high school or university) to experience the "new space" at a fraction of the price of existing solutions. The SATLLA-0 project is all about building a fully functional 2pP PocketQube that's based on a design that's already been launched into space (see SATLLA-2B). Researchers and 12K students can get involved, and the project includes the software, hardware, and ground station you need to make it happen. The goal is to make it possible for any science class to experience the "new space" without breaking the bank.

Prometheus-1 (1p), Cmu Portugal

The PROMETHEUS project aims at providing easy access to space for the research and education (R&E) community. The platform proposed here is based on the PyCubed system (an open-source, radiation tested CubeSat avionics platform that integrates power, computing, communication, and attitude determination and control functionality into a single low-cost PC104-compatible module programmable entirely in Python), previously developed by the CMU team. This means that the entire system is widely available, based on commercial-off-the-shelf components and open-source hardware and software.

Tartan Artibeus-1 (1p), Carnegie Mellon University (Cmu)

Tartan Artibeus (TA1) is the first batteryless, computational PocketQube satellite; its open-source hardware and software launched into low-Earth orbit (LEO) in January 2022. TA1 is a 1p (125 cm3 ) PocketQube built around the Tartan Artibeus Bus (TAB), which connects independently-designed modules into a batteryless, computational satellite. The open-source hardware and software of TA1 supports independently designed modules oblivious to the batteryless nature of the power system via adherence to TAB’s well-defined communication protocol serviced by a C&DH board.