THE MODSAT PROJECT

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Warning: This part of the website is still WIP and is missing a lot of information. If you experience problems, please contact us.

INTRODUCTION

Picture of the ModSat This is the ModSat-Standard.

Building a satellite as simple as building with LEGO-bricks - the ModSat-Standard could really revolutionize the way we engineer spacecraft. By using only commercially available parts, conventional and cheap production methods and open-source software, series production is made possible. While this page gives you most of the needed information, you can find a short summary in German here and a 31-page detailed explanation in German here. And, also remember that this page is still under development and may contain faults.

MODULE TYPES

The ModSat-Standard is only using 3 types of modules: the middle module, which is best for computing and other basic systems, the side module, which is interchangeable whith a middle module and is perfect for sensors, solar panels and scientific instruments, and the round module, which is best for engines and telescopes with unconventional sizes.

Image Information Links
Middle Module

Middle Module

  • Size: 7cm*7cm*1,5mm
  • Use: Computing and basic systems
  • Examples: Computing and communication modules
Side Module

Side Module

  • Size: 7cm*7cm*1,5mm
  • Use: Solar, Sensors etc. It's interchangable with a Middle Module.
  • Examples: Gyroscope system and navigation
Round Module

Round Module

  • Size: 30mm (Diameter)*nU
  • Use: Special Applications like telescopes or scientific payload.
  • Examples: Camera and HV-Cascade

THE COMPUTING MODULE

This module handles the alignment of the gyroscopes, navigation with LDRs and also functions as an adapter for any I²C and TTL compatible microcontroller that needs 5V.

3D Model

Production Files

Type Format Link
KiCAD PCB design file .kicad-pcb GDrive
Gerber design files .gbl, .gbs etc. GDrive
Self-etching design files .pdf and .svg GDrive

Development Files

Type Format Link
KiCAD Project .kicad-pcb GDrive
KiCAD Schematic .gbl, .gbs etc. GDrive
KiCAD BOM .pdf and .svg GDrive
KiCAD PCB design file .pdf and .svg GDrive

Notes

If you want to etch this module yourself, you'll need a very nice printer and etching process that supports resolutions of 10 mil.

THE ENERGY MODULE

A very efficient power supply module. Complete with a 12v to 22kv cascade, 2 switch-mode power supplies, a li-ion battery charging module and energy management.

3D Model

Production Files

Type Format Link
KiCAD PCB design file .kicad-pcb GDrive
Gerber design files .gbl, .gbs etc. GDrive
Self-etching design files .pdf and .svg GDrive

Development Files

Type Format Link
KiCAD Project .kicad-pcb GDrive
KiCAD Schematic .gbl, .gbs etc. GDrive
KiCAD BOM .pdf and .svg GDrive
KiCAD PCB design file .pdf and .svg GDrive

Notes

If you want to etch this module yourself, you'll need a very nice printer and etching process that supports resolutions of 10 mil. Also, make sure that you don't touch the traces if you don't apply silk screen to prevent electric shocks.

THE COMMUNICATION MODULE

This is a 30W shortwave transciever, complete with a 9600 Baud TNC and the typical ModSat-BUS.

3D Model

Production Files

Type Format Link
KiCAD PCB design file .kicad-pcb GDrive
Gerber design files .gbl, .gbs etc. GDrive
Self-etching design files .pdf and .svg GDrive

Development Files

Type Format Link
KiCAD Project .kicad-pcb GDrive
KiCAD Schematic .gbl, .gbs etc. GDrive
KiCAD BOM .pdf and .svg GDrive
KiCAD PCB design file .pdf and .svg GDrive

Notes

If you want to etch this module yourself, you'll need a very nice printer and etching process that supports resolutions of 10 mil. Also, make sure that you don't touch the traces of the transmitter if you don't apply silk screen to prevent electric shocks. Isolate from the other modules to prevent HF interference.

FUTURE UPDATES

Future Modules

In the next months, we will release the files for the Ion Engine and the HV Cascade. If you want to build the first prototypes, you can head over to the old dsespace.com website an find the outdated files there.

Future Releases

This whole site will be finished by December 2016, complete with step-by-step build guides and videos. If you want to see the old files, you can head over to the old dsespace.com website an find the outdated files or visit our blog to lern about updates.