Pycubed v5.0

Overview

The Rook Avionics Board is the central nervous system of Blackwing Space nanosatellite platforms. It integrates power management, data logging, attitude control, and onboard processing into a single compact board - streamlining development and reducing integration timelines for teams working on next-generation space missions.

Built on the proven PyCubed Plus open-source foundation with in-orbit heritage, Rook brings commercial-grade reliability to an architecture already validated in space. The modular, plug-and-play design makes payload integration fast, repeatable, and affordable - whether you are flying a single technology demonstrator or scaling a constellation.

Technical Specifications

Description

Rook is the onboard motherboard built on PyCubed flight heritage and open-source hardware design, while adding commercial-grade reliability, updated components, and a maintained hardware/software stack.

Blackwing Space is building nanosatellite platforms powered by Rook for teams working on next-generation IoT, commercial GNSS, Earth observation, remote sensing, AI/ML edge computing, RF intelligence, and on-orbit technology demonstrations - helping customers get their flight hardware deployed faster and with less friction.

The board integrates power management, data logging, attitude determination and control, and onboard processing into a single compact, PC104-compatible form factor. Standard FFC connectors and a plug-and-play architecture mean you can integrate your payload and go - without redesigning the bus for every mission.

Key Benefits

• Flight-ready out of the box - Integrated avionics with power, ADCS, and data handling reduces your integration timeline from months to weeks.
• Radiation-tolerant storage - 4 MB of MRAM withstands the LEO radiation environment without data corruption, ensuring mission data integrity.
• Integrated attitude control - Built-in 3-axis magnetic torquer drivers and 9-axis IMU provide basic ADCS without additional hardware.
• Open-source foundation - Published schematics, accessible firmware, and active community support give you full transparency and extensibility.
• Scalable for constellations - Repeatable, modular design ensures consistent performance across multi-unit deployments.
• Affordable and domestic - US-manufactured with commercial pricing, no ITAR complexity for domestic buyers.
• Maintained software stack - Active firmware updates, documentation, and developer support keep your mission software current.
• Plug-and-play payload integration - Standard FFC connectors and 2 dedicated payload interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, GPIO) for quick hookup.

Support & Warranty

Every Rook Avionics Board comes with a one-year limited manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.

Technical support is available for integration and troubleshooting. Our engineering team can assist with payload hookup, firmware customization, and mission planning.

Firmware source code and board schematics are accessible under open-source licensing, giving you full visibility into the platform you are building on.