Satellite | AcubeSAT | Space Biology Mission

Architecture

3U+ CubeSat

AcubeSAT is a 3U+ CubeSat with a compact form factor packing sophisticated modules for biological research in space. It is composed of multiple integrated subsystems, each responsible for a critical function of the satellite’s operation.

COMMS Board

OBC-ADCS Board

Payload

Specifications

Technical Details

3U+

Form Factor

3.6kg

Total Mass

1.5yrs

Mission Lifetime

In-orbit Experiments

Journey

Mission Timeline

Follow our orbital journey from mission design to operations - a multi-year mission to push the boundaries of space biology research.

Q1 2020

Programme Acceptance

Accepted in ESA's "Fly Your Satellite!" programme

Q4 2021

Critical Design Review

Passed CDR with 1000+ technical pages

Q1 2022 – Q2 2024

Subsystem Qualification

Qualified 2 subsystems for space flight

Q1 2025 – Q3 2025

Payload Qualification

Qualified Payload for space flight

NOW

All subsystems flight-qualified!

Q3 2026

System Testing

System level testing & flight qualification

Q3 2027

Launch!

AcubeSAT in orbit

2027 – 2028

Operations

Science experiments & data collection

Subsystem

COMMS Board

The Communications Board handles all data exchange between AcubeSAT and the ground station, enabling reliable telemetry downlink and telecommand uplink throughout the mission.

Frequency Band UHF (436.5 MHz) | S-Band (2.425 GHz)

Protocol CSSDS Data Link

Data Rate 20 kbps | 1 Mbps

Antenna Deployable Turnstile | Patch

Subsystem

OBC & ADCS Board

The On-Board Computer and Attitude Determination & Control System board serves as the satellite's brain and orientation controller, managing all onboard processing and ensuring correct pointing throughout the mission.

Processor ARM Cortex-M7

Control 3-axis

Sensors Magnetometer, Gyroscope, Sun Sensors, Temperature

Actuators Magnetorquers, Reaction Wheel

Payload