If you are interested in open-source licenced Cubesat hardware, software and low earth orbit communications feel free to check out Libre Space Foundation https://libre.space Feel also free to check our repositories at Gitlab. https://gitlab.com/librespacefoundation
So, you want to build a CubeSat?
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Re: So, you want to build a CubeSat?
#42If you're interested in understanding the state of the global space supply chain, check us out [1]. We're working on digitalizing the entire global marketplace and CubeSats are a huge part of the on-going commoditization within the sector. Kinda like "Octopart for space".
The supplier ecosystem is really a lot larger than people think (including myself until we started this project). There are some legacy and strategic reasons for "hidden hubs".
The supply chain is undergoing a lot of change, as organizations try to figure out how to not stay hidden and instead ride the on-going growth wave through international business/projects.
Re: So, you want to build a CubeSat?
#43Why build it if the cost is 10K+ to deploy?
While this isn't consumer pricing yet, the orders of magnitude cost decrease because of lower cost / smaller satellites have made this much more accessible, and it's only going to continue as launch costs come down.
Re: So, you want to build a CubeSat?
#44How effective is an internet connection from a CubeSat? I'm curious, I've read about radio comm and this article mentions using the GlobalSat or Iridium network is possible, but would that (or any other option) be a "broadband bandwith" available to whatever software is running on the CubeSat?
Re: So, you want to build a CubeSat?
#45How effective is an internet connection from a CubeSat? I'm curious, I've read about radio comm and this article mentions using the GlobalSat or Iridium network is possible, but would that (or any other option) be a "broadband bandwith" available to whatever software is running on the CubeSat?
For the radio & antenna you'll probably have on a small CubeSat, expect slow and unreliable, but it depends on if you're running your own ground station, in which case you may only be able to communicate for minutes a day or less, or are using a large ground station network or satellite constellation like Iridium, which will still be slow, but will offer much more frequent communication opportunities.
Re: So, you want to build a CubeSat?
#46I had this thought, why not build a small rifled tube with an explosive charge and bullet like projectile. The projectile has a rocket motor too. Get the cannon as high as possible with a balloon. At the limit, the cannon fires the projectile at high velocity. The rocket motor ignites giving the extra velocity. Do you think it could reach escape velocity? IANARS (I am not a rocket scientist)
Most people underestimate the speed required to obtain a reasonable orbit, and the amount of tube required to accelerate an object to that speed.
Re: So, you want to build a CubeSat?
#47I highly recommend subscribing to The Orbital Index newsletter. One of the 3 newsletters that I actually read every week. It's (almost) completely outside my profession but very interesting to read nonetheless.
what are the other 2?
2. James Clear's (https://jamesclear.com/newsletter), author of the Atomic Habits, which is a fantastic book about... habits (https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits)
Both are no-bullshit and consistently provide value.
Re: So, you want to build a CubeSat?
#48Earlier quoted context omitted.
what are the other 2?
Not op, but The Prepared is great if you have any interest in manufacturing, supply chains, and modern infrastructure. https://theprepared.org/
Re: So, you want to build a CubeSat?
#49I had this thought, why not build a small rifled tube with an explosive charge and bullet like projectile. The projectile has a rocket motor too. Get the cannon as high as possible with a balloon. At the limit, the cannon fires the projectile at high velocity. The rocket motor ignites giving the extra velocity. Do you think it could reach escape velocity? IANARS (I am not a rocket scientist)
The last guy that tried this was murdered by Sadaam. Most people underestimate the speed required to obtain a reasonable orbit, and the amount of tube required to accelerate an object to that speed.
Re: So, you want to build a CubeSat?
#50Not particularly, and even less so with this clichéd, condescending headline.
It's a meme that needs to die, why do we have to see these titles popping up in HN every month?