CubeSats: Miniature Satellites for Amateur Radio Use
Access resources for building, launching, and operating CubeSats, including kits, components, and telemetry reception guides for ham radio operators.
CubeSats are small, standardized satellites that offer hams exciting opportunities for satellite operation and experimentation. These compact spacecraft, often built from commercial off-the-shelf components, carry amateur radio payloads for communication, telemetry, and scientific research. Operators can track CubeSats, receive their telemetry, and even use them for QSOs, pushing the boundaries of whats possible with amateur radio in orbit.
This category provides resources for hams interested in CubeSat projects, from initial design to on-air operation. You will find information on building your own CubeSat with kits from sites like CubeSatKit.com, or learning about the CubeSat standard through resources like NASAs CubeSat 101. There are also guides for receiving telemetry from active satellites such as Greencube (IO-117), and details on specialized hardware like the FunCube Dongle for expanding reception capabilities on various bands.
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A free PDF from NASA about cubesat. Basic Concepts and Processes for First-Time CubeSat Developers. A great introduction document dedicated to Cubseat developers. -
CubeSat.org provides information and resources for CubeSat developers, including a directory of projects and a forum for discussing CubeSat topics. -
This website provides kits, parts, and resources for building and launching CubeSats for amateur radio use. -
RSGB page dedicated to CubeSats and FunCube satellites used by radioamateurs -
This is a website that sells CubeSat components and kits, including solar panels, batteries, and radios. -
A blog that provides news and updates about CubeSats, as well as information about CubeSat-related events and projects. -
How to easily receive and decode CubeSat telemetry -
A website that provides information about CubeSats, including the CubeSats' mission, frequencies, and status. -
This website provides a free, web-based CubeSat simulation tool for testing and evaluating CubeSat designs. -
This article describes an HF upconverter for the FunCube Dongle Pro. Designed for radio amateurs, the converter extends reception capabilities to lower frequencies (0 Hz to 30 MHz) by mixing them with a higher oscillator frequency (100 MHz). This translates the desired signal into a range detectable by the FunCube Dongle (64 to 1,700 MHz). Key components include a double-balanced mixer and a low-pass filter to suppress unwanted signals. The project provides schematics, filter specifications, and design considerations for construction. -
Explore the detailed setup, essential software, and operational nuances for Greencube (IO-117), a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite with a 70cm digipeater, offering DX possibilities for amateur radio enthusiasts. From antenna configurations to software choices, this guide covers everything for a successful Greencube experience.