Directory of Open Source Cubesat and Nanosatellite Projects

The accessibility of space technology continues to expand, and open-source CubeSat platforms are accelerating this shift. Universities, emerging space companies, and independent developers now have greater opportunities to participate in satellite development. This guide highlights key open-source CubeSat resources, including complete spacecraft frameworks, subsystem designs, and component-level documentation.

Complete CubeSat Systems

Cubesat Platforms

PyCubed - Python-powered satellite platform

• Ideal for rapid prototyping; integrated OBC and subsystems
• Website
• GitHub

BIRDSOpenSource - Multi-national education program

• Flight-proven hardware used in multiple missions
• Website
• GitHub

Antaris

• Commercial-grade open-source platform
• GitHub

Hype / DelfiSpace

• GitHub

PocketQube Platforms

Slippers2Sat

• 
   
• Website
• GitHub

SATLLA-0 - With TinyGS support

• GitHub
• BOM
• Assembly Guide

FOSSASAT-1 / FOSSASAT-2

• FOSSA-1
• FOSSA-2

$50Sat

• Project Resources

Tigercub - Princeton University

• Wiki
• Project Page

Qubik - Libre Space Foundation

• GitLab

Additional Designs:

• SednaCube
• EARS-PocketQube
• 1U Holder
• PQ60-EPS

Flight Software

• FreeRTOS SpaceCAN
• TUDSat OBC
• CBEAM Telemetry Server

Radio Systems & Communication

Open Transceivers

OpenLST

• GitHub
• GNU Radio Support

Free Little Radio (LFR)

• Website
• Hardware

Iridium 9603 Modules

• Hardware
• ISBD Emulator

APRS / Amateur Radio

• PSAT-2
• PSAT

Other Subsystems

Antennas

• ORCASat Antenna

Deployment Mechanisms

• CubeSource
• Burnwing

Cameras & Payloads

• SatCam

Simulation & Testing

• CubeBusSim

Specialized Missions

AcubeSAT - Biotech focus

• Website
• GitLab

Conclusion

Launching a satellite is no longer reserved for governments and major corporations. With these open-source resources, a motivated team can design, build, test, and deploy a satellite at a fraction of traditional cost. At Blackwing Space, we embrace open standards and open-source ecosystems to make CubeSat development faster, more accessible, and more affordable for teams everywhere.