Overview

DynOSSAT-EDU is a CircuitPython compatible, open source nanosatellite development kit designed for makers, students and amateurs. Our aim is to provide the DIY and educational communities with a complete and realistic PocketQube platform (just 5x5 cm!) that includes all the necessary modules for the operation of a real nanosatellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that would serve as a device for teaching, training or just driving curiosity about the philosophy and technology related to NewSpace.

The system is composed of three different, standalone boards using Libre Space Foundation’s PQ60 form factor, but replacing the PQ60 connector for an easier to use 1.27 mm 40-pin header (that we called the PQBH40). Each board fulfills the purpose of a real nanosatellite subsystem:

• OBC (On Board Computer), integrates an IMU (Accelerometer + Magnetometer + Gyroscope), a temperature sensor and a multi gas sensor. At its heart is a powerful ATSAMD51 MCU, well-known for its extensive use in the maker community.

• EPS (Electric Power System). Integrates the battery management and power distribution subsystems, including charging through solar panels using flight-proven MPPT electronics. It also carries an ATSAMD21 for overall management.

• SatComm (Communications). This board integrates a long range LoRa module to simulate LEO-Earth communications and a PAN 2.4 GHz module (based on the nRF52832 SoC) to simulate LEO-LEO communications and to allow communication with mobile apps for teaching and simulation projects using Smartphones.

The OBC and the EPS are fully supported by CircuitPython and the Arduino framework, which makes them ideal for their use in the maker community. Since the nRF52832 still does not have CircuitPython support, you’ll have to use native nRF52 SDK, mBed OS or the Arduino core for it.

In addition to these, a fourth board is also available: the Header Adapter. This is a simple board that breaks out the small 1.27 mm PQBH bus to two 2.54 mm pin headers so you can easily connect dupont cables to other peripherals.

Technical details

Here is an overview of the technical characteristics of the boards:

OBC

• Powerful ATSAMD51J20A-AU 120 MHz Cortex-M4F processor with 1 MB flash + 256 KB RAM for all your CircuitPython needs
• 32 Mbit SPI flash for storing CircuitPython code and libraries
• High-precision ICM-20948 Inertial Measurement Unit including Accelerometer, Gyroscope and Magnetometer for Attitude management
• MCP9808 Digital Temperature Sensor
• SGP30 TVOC and eqCO2 air quality sensor
• User-controllable WS2812B addressable RGB LED
• 5V and 3.3V rails, providing up to 1A/500mA respectively
• MicroSD Card slot
• Female USB-C 2.0 connector for power and data logging
• PQBH40 bus exposing 10 digital pins, 6 analog pins (+ true DAC), an I2C bus, an SPI bus and an UART
• Comes preprogrammed with the uf2 bootloader and CircuitPython

EPS

• Well-known 48 MHz Cortex-M0 ATSAMD21E18 MCU with 256 KB flash + 32 KB RAM
• 32 Mbit SPI flash for storing CircuitPython code and libraries
• Flight-proven SPV1040 Maximum Power Point Tracking IC for solar cells power management
• Ultra low input voltage L6924D Lithium battery charger management IC optimized for pairing with the SPV1040
• 5V and 3.3V 2A power rails generated through high-performance DC/DC converters
• Battery Current/Voltage/Power measurement through the flight-proven INA226 digital meter
• Back-powering protection and load switching through the TPS22918, member of a flight-proven family of switches
• User-controllable WS2812B addressable RGB LED
• Female USB-C 2.0 connector for power and data logging
• Standard Molex Picoblade 1.5 mm connectors for battery and solar cells
• Connected to the OBC through SPI/I2C/UART for data communication and/or redundancy
• Comes preprogrammed with the uf2 bootloader and CircuitPython

Comms

• Based on HopeRF’s RFM96W 868 MHz LoRa module, pad-to-pad compatible with the 433 MHz RFM95W version
• Easily controlled through SPI bus
• Secondary 2.4 GHz module (SKB369) based on Nordic Semi nRF52832 that can act as an independent or redundant processor through I2C or SPI
• Female USB-C 2.0 connector for power and data logging (CH340E USB to UART bridge)

Package contents

You'll receive the following with your order:

If you’ve purchased the full DynOSSAT-EDU kit, you will get the following:

• 120x80 mm Safety box with foam padding to carry the device
• 1 x On-Board Computer board
• 1 x Electric Power System board
• 1 x Communications board
• 1 x Adapter Breakout board
• 2 x 3V/120 mA solar cells
• 1 x 868/915 MHz monopole antenna

Since the device boards are standalone, we also offer the possibility of getting only the pieces you want. By default, you'll get just the OBC!

Sadly, because of strict shipping regulations we are not able to include a Li-Po battery with the kit. If you want to battery power the kit, you'll have to get one. We recommend a 503040 3.7V 600 mAh one!