Sparrow Payload Platform

Build Your Payload.

The Sparrow Developer Kit will evolve into a complete Hardware and Software Development Kit (HDK + SDK) for building payloads on the Sparrow platform. Today, it begins with the Sparrow Payload Interface Guide, defining the mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces required for integration.

HDK Coming
0.5U
Payload Volume
1kg
Max Mass
10W
Orbit Avg Power
3.3V
Payload Logic
5–8.4V
VBATT Rail

Developer Resources

Explore Sparrow Resources

Documentation, reference designs, and integration guides to accelerate your payload development.

NuSCIS supports multiple sensor families including Teledyne e2v (Ruby, Sapphire, CIS120), CMOSIS (CMV2000, CMV4000), and Fairchild Imaging HWK4123 for EMCCD low-light applications.

Peak power consumption is 4W with a 5V power interface, making it suitable for power-constrained CubeSat and SmallSat missions.

Command interfaces include CAN-Bus (lab/space) and USB (lab only). Data interfaces include SpaceWire (lab/space) and USB (lab testing). Command protocol supports Python API or CubeSat Protocol (CSP-2/CSP-1).

Yes, NuSCIS is qualified for the space environment with latch-up mitigation and is designed for a 3-year Low Earth Orbit lifetime.

Developer Resources

Explore Sparrow Resources

Documentation, reference designs, and integration guides to accelerate your payload development.

NuSCIS supports multiple sensor families including Teledyne e2v (Ruby, Sapphire, CIS120), CMOSIS (CMV2000, CMV4000), and Fairchild Imaging HWK4123 for EMCCD low-light applications.

Peak power consumption is 4W with a 5V power interface, making it suitable for power-constrained CubeSat and SmallSat missions.

Command interfaces include CAN-Bus (lab/space) and USB (lab only). Data interfaces include SpaceWire (lab/space) and USB (lab testing). Command protocol supports Python API or CubeSat Protocol (CSP-2/CSP-1).

Yes, NuSCIS is qualified for the space environment with latch-up mitigation and is designed for a 3-year Low Earth Orbit lifetime.

Developer Resources

Explore Sparrow Resources

Documentation, reference designs, and integration guides to accelerate your payload development.

NuSCIS supports multiple sensor families including Teledyne e2v (Ruby, Sapphire, CIS120), CMOSIS (CMV2000, CMV4000), and Fairchild Imaging HWK4123 for EMCCD low-light applications.

Peak power consumption is 4W with a 5V power interface, making it suitable for power-constrained CubeSat and SmallSat missions.

Command interfaces include CAN-Bus (lab/space) and USB (lab only). Data interfaces include SpaceWire (lab/space) and USB (lab testing). Command protocol supports Python API or CubeSat Protocol (CSP-2/CSP-1).

Yes, NuSCIS is qualified for the space environment with latch-up mitigation and is designed for a 3-year Low Earth Orbit lifetime.

Sparrow Platform Roadmap

What's Available & What's Next

We're building the Sparrow Developer Kit iteratively. Here's what's available now, and what's coming next. Why we build this way

Available now
Coming soon
Payload Interface Guide

Electrical, mechanical, and data interfaces

STEP Mechanical Template

Payload module envelope fit check

GD&T Drawing

Payload module PDF drawing (ASME Y14.5)

HDK KiCad Reference Design

Adapter schematic + PCB + manufacturing outputs

Payload Software Interface Spec

Command and telemetry definitions

SDK + Payload Simulator

Software tools for payload firmware testing

Get Started

Ready to Build Your Payload?

Whether you're prototyping a new sensor, building a commercial imaging payload, or running a university mission — we want to hear about your project.

Contact Payload Team Join Developer Community Coming Soon