Freetronics
ArduSat Prototyping Module
The ArduSat Prototyping Module is a gold-plated PCB used to hand-assemble early prototypes of the first two ArduSat satellites launched into space in 2013. A...
The ArduSat Prototyping Module is a gold-plated PCB used to hand-assemble early prototypes of the first two ArduSat satellites launched into space in 2013. A limited number remain from that original production run — own a piece of Arduino and space history.
Build a custom CubeSat satellite module by combining your own sensors and components with this prototyping board. Mechanically compliant with CubeSat specifications, it's ideal for ground-based prototyping, high-altitude balloon (HAB) flights, and sounding-rocket experiments.
Key Features
- Gold-Plated PCB – ENIG (electroless nickel immersion gold) connections for reliable conductivity
- 651-Hole Prototyping Area – All holes separate for maximum layout flexibility
- CubeSat Bus Breakout – Individual connections for GND, 5 V, and 3.3 V rails linked to the CubeSat bus
- Stackable Connectors – H1 and H2 CubeSat bus connectors with 0.1" spacing, 104 pins total
- CubeSat Compliant – Meets CubeSat specifications for hole locations, outer dimensions, and vertical interconnect clearances
Specifications
- Dimensions – 95.45 × 90.3 mm
- PCB Material – FR4 fibreglass (requires out-gassing before vacuum use)
- PCB Connections – ENIG (electroless nickel immersion gold)
- Bare PCB Mass – 25 g
- Connector Mass (pair) – 15 g
- Total Assembled Mass – 42 g (including solder)
Ideal For
- CubeSat prototyping and experimental hardware development
- High-altitude balloon (HAB) and sounding-rocket flight testing
- Ground-based testing before ArduSat mission deployment
- Space and Arduino enthusiasts looking for a collectible piece of satellite history
Package Contents
- 1× ArduSat Prototyping Module PCB
- 1× Pair of CubeSat bus connectors (unsoldered)
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- PCB
- A printed circuit board is a rigid board with copper tracks that connect electronic parts without loose wires. For this kit, the PCBs also form the airplane shape, so they are both the circuit base and part of the finished model.
Find this product in
Prototyping & Wiring
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
