Assembly Guide
Assembly Guide
Assembly Guide
Kit Description
Introducing the Educational CubeSat Kit, an all-in-one educational package designed to demystify satellite
technology and space science. This 1U CubeSat Kit replicates the real deal, with onboard electronics, solar panels,
atmospheric sensors, and a transceiver for wireless communication. The kit provides comprehensive resources for
hands-on learning, fostering STEM education, problem-solving, and project-based learning. It's perfect for schools,
hobbyists, STEM clubs, and anyone passionate about exploring space. Embark on your space journey with this
inspiring educational tool!
Kit Outcomes
This miniature satellite kit provides students with a unique opportunity to gain practical insights into satellite design,
construction, and deployment. One of the key outcomes of working with this kit is the development of critical
problem-solving skills as students tackle real-world engineering challenges. Additionally, this kit can spark a
lifelong passion for space exploration and technology, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Furthermore, CubeSat projects often result in tangible accomplishments, such as successful launches and data
collection, reinforcing the value of teamwork and persistence in achieving scientific goals. This CubeSat Kits offers
a dynamic and engaging platform for students to learn, explore, and engage in the exciting field of space
exploration.
This document grants permission for replication, provided it is for internal, educational, or non-commercial use,
with proper attribution. Redistribution to external parties for any purpose is strictly prohibited without prior written
consent. Unauthorized redistribution may result in legal action. This license remains in effect beyond any agreement
termination or expiration.
Contact Information:
Technical Support Email: [email protected]
Phone Support: +1 (307) 202-8309
Website: www.edgeflyte.com/contact
Our team is available during our regular business hours, and we aim to respond to your
queries promptly.
Thank you for choosing EdgeFlyte, and we look forward to assisting you with your
technical needs.
The Main Control Board (MCB) functions as the central control of the CubeSat. The
primary microcontroller, a Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040), interfaces with the rest of the MCB
sensors, and communicates with the rest of the CubeSat’s onboard and connected modules. To fit
inside the EdgeFlyte 1u CubeSat frame, the board is 83x83mm at a 1mm board thickness.
Additionally, there is a 1.5mm ‘keep out zone’ on the right and left sides of the board to ensure
proper placement inside the frame. A list of onboard components is as follows:
Additionally, the MCB is equipped with expansion ports which can be interfaced with
compatible sensors, modules, and units. Additional programming may be necessary for attached
modules; please see section 6 for more information. A list of expansion ports is as follows:
The MCB also features a series of test pads, useful when diagnosing problems, observing
inter-module communications, and ensuring nominal states. In-depth information about these
pads can be found in section 6.2 Schematics. A brief list of these pads and their connections is as
follows:
Raw Board
Pictured is the MCB without any components. Fig 1.1.1
Component Functions
AT-09 BLE Module Used for connecting to the CubeSat from a mobile device.
NRF24L01 Module Establishes a telemetry link between the CubeSat and the
ground station.
MPU9250 IMU Used for determining the exact orientation of the CubeSat
through acceleration, gyroscopic, and magnetic sensing.
MicroSD Card Socket Used to log all system data to an attached Micro SD card.
The Battery Management System (BMS) v1 functions as primary power source for the
CubeSat. Onboard, the system features a NiMH/NiCad battery system, four independent LDO
regulators, and solar cell inputs. It is capable of supplying power to three independent channels
at 3.3v, 150mA. Additionally, it is capable of outputting one 5v channel at 250mA and inputting
5v at 800mA for charging the battery cells. A list of onboard components is as follows:
Raw Board
Pictured is the BMS without any components. Fig 1.2.1
Component Functions
Battery Charger Circuit Charges the NiCad Battery Bank from the 5v received from
the MCB USB IN.
Raw Board
Pictured is the BMS v2 board without any components. Fig 1.2.3
Component Functions
SOL1 & SOL2 Used to connect solar cells to the CubeSat.
BATT Charger Charges the NiCad Battery Bank from either the USB-C
port or from the SYS power.
USB/SYS CHG Point Switches between USB-C power and SYS for charging.
The Atmospheric Sensing Board (ASB) is an integrated suite of sensors tasked with
measuring atmospheric conditions.
Additionally, the ASB is equipped with expansion ports which can be interfaced with
compatible sensors, modules, and units. Additional programming may be necessary for attached
modules; please see section 6 for more information. A list of expansion ports is as follows:
Raw Board
Pictured is the ASB without
any components. Fig 1.3.1.
Component Functions
20 Pin GPIO Header Used for expansion and interfacing other atmospheric
sensors.
For information on how to interface with these IO and Expansion Ports, please see
section 6.
Step 1:
OPTIONAL:
Attach the top mounting bracket to the top plate.
• 1x Top Plate
• 4x 2.5 x 6 mm Bolts
• 1x Top Mounting Bracket
Step 2:
Attach 1 side rail to top and bottom plates.
• 4x 2.5 x 10 mm Bolts
• 1x Bottom Plate
• 1x Side Rail
Step 4:
Place IO Covers.
• 1x Front IO Plate
• 1x Back Cover Plate
Step 5:
Attach Solar Cells.
• 2x Solar Cells w/ attached power cable
Step 7:
OPTIONAL:
Adhere custom labels to side rails.
Overview:
Final Assembly.
Optional components not shown.
Bag | SP01
Item QTY Link
55 x 65 mm Solar Panel w/ Con 2
Bag | STR01
Item QTY Link
1u CubeSat Rails 2 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6282465
Front and Back IO Plates 2 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6282465
Top and Bottom Plate 2 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6282465
Top Mounting Bracket 1 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6282465
Bag | HW01
Item QTY Link
2.5 x 10 mm Socket Cap Bolt 12
2.5 x 6 mm Socket Cap Bolt 4
2 mm Allen Wrench 1
If you find that a part is missing from your kit, we're here to help! Get in touch with our
customer support at:
Let us know what you are missing, and we will send you a replacement free of charge!
BMS v1
Component Bags Required: Tools Required:
• BNS01 • None
• BIC01
Step 1:
Install GPS standoffs.
Step 2:
Place GPS Module
Step 4:
Place RPI Pico (RP2040)
Step 5:
Place SHT31 Board Temperature Module
Step 7:
Place MPU9250 Module
Step 8:
Insert Board into Rail 2
of the 1u CubeSat Frame
Step 1:
Mount SPS30 Bracket.
Step 2:
Place SPS30 Sensor.
Step 4:
Place BMP180 and SHT31 Sensor
Step 5:
Insert board into Rail 3 of the
1u CubeSat frame.
Attach Board Interconnect Cable to SBUS Port
BMS V1
Component Bags Required: Tools Required:
• BIC02 • Soldering Iron
• BAT01 • Side Cutters (optional)
• BSC01 • Rosin Core Solder
• Component Helping Hands (optional)
• Pliers
• Ruler
Step 1:
Solder GPS Module.
Step 2:
Solder Headers
Step 4:
Solder NRF24 Module
Step 5:
Place and solder the MPU9250 Module
Step 7:
Place and Solder the RPI Pico.
IMPORTANT: Ensure proper orientation!
Step 8:
Place and solder the buzzer.
IMPORTANT: Ensure proper orientation!
Step 9:
Place and solder the AT-09 BLE Module.
Step 11:
Connect BIC Cable to SBUS
Step 1:
Solder 2x UART, PROG, ICSP, and GPIO
Headers
Step 2:
Solder SPS30 JST ZH 5Pos Female Connector
IMPORTANT: Ensure proper orientation!
Step 4:
Place and solder the BMP180
and SHT31 Sensor
Step 5:
Place and solder the ENS160 Sensor
Step 7:
Insert Board into Rail 3 on 1u Frame.
Attach Board Interconnect Cable to SBUS
Port.
Soldering Overview:
Though this guide does not thoroughly instruct proper soldering practices, listed below
are a few common problems to check for to ensure nominal function of the CubeSat. Ensure
proper connections before applying power to the module.
Before connecting power, inspect plastic headers and connectors for deformation from
soldering which may lead to greater problems or may impede intended operation. Repair or
replace as necessary.
Additionally ensure that soldered modules are properly oriented and connected before
powered on. Failure to properly connect the modules may lead to permanent damage to both the
module, board, and power system.
Initial View
To connect to the
Ground Station, press
‘CONNECT.’
Selected device
option will be highlighted
in Blue. Press ‘CONNECT’
to connect to the device.
A successful
connection is indicated by
the ‘STATUS’ changing to
‘CONNECTED’ and the
option to DISCONNECT
from the device present.
Software Downloads
https://edgeflyte.com/downloads/cubesats
3D Models
Available at: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6282465
Source Code
Available at: https://github.com/edgeflyte/CubeSatV1