YSpace student team

YSpace is a dynamic student team from the Brno University of Technology (BUT) in Brno, Czech Republic. Founded in 2023, YSpace is dedicated to advancing the Czech space segment in the 21st century through innovative projects and hands-on experience. We are a passionate and dedicated group of students committed to pushing the boundaries of space technology and inspiring the next generation of space explorers.

YSpace is currently undertaking two ambitious projects:

KOSTKA: Our first project, KOSTKA, aims to be the first Czech satellite designed and built entirely by students. This mission will test our custom-developed LoRa communication module, providing a crucial data link for BUT's polar research station, KAPLIČKA, located on Nelson Island, Antarctica. KOSTKA will transmit vital climate data, including air droplet measurements, significantly expediting research efforts.

CIMER (Cyanobacteria In Microgravity Environment Research): In partnership with Mendel University, CIMER is a pioneering bio-mission focused on exploring the potential of desiccant hibernation for growing biologicals in space. This will be the first Czech CubeSat supported by the competitive ESA's Fly Your Satellite! Design Booster 2 program. CIMER will test the Micro Biological Container (MIBICO) for long-term storage and reactivation of microalgae and bacteria colonies (cyanobacteria and Chlamydomonas) in a microgravity environment. This research is crucial for understanding bio-cultivation processes and developing technologies for future human expansion to other cosmic bodies.

Achieving our ambitious goals requires significant resources. One of them is the procurement of the PCBs, which fill up most of the internal volume of our CubeSats. We are currently working on two distinctive PCBs: the OBC and the LoRa TRX module.

Onboard Computer (OBC) – the brain of the CubeSat

The OBC is the "brain" of a CubeSat, acting as the central processing unit responsible for controlling and managing all of the satellite's subsystems. It's a critical component that handles everything from attitude control and data acquisition to communication with the ground station and power management. The OBC executes pre-programmed instructions and reacts to real-time events, ensuring the CubeSat operates smoothly and performs its intended mission. Essentially, the OBC is the key to autonomous operation, allowing the CubeSat to function reliably in the harsh environment of space and carry out its scientific or technological objectives.

LoRa TRX module – the mouth and ears of the satellite.

The LoRa-based TRX (Transceiver) is a crucial communication subsystem within a CubeSat, responsible for transmitting and receiving data between the satellite and the ground station. Leveraging LoRa (Long Range) modulation technology, this TRX enables robust, low-power communication over significant distances, even with limited power budgets typical in small satellites. Its primary role is to downlink telemetry data collected by the CubeSat's sensors and payloads, allowing operators on Earth to monitor the satellite's health and performance, as well as to uplink commands for controlling the satellite's operations. The LoRa-based TRX is particularly valuable for CubeSats due to its ability to achieve long-range communication with relatively simple and cost-effective hardware.

Power Generation PCB assemblies

Essential for our CubeSat missions, our solar panel assemblies serve a dual purpose: power generation and thermal management. The fragile and costly solar cells, responsible for converting sunlight into electricity, require a robust and precisely engineered PCB substrate for structural support. Beyond simple mounting, these assemblies incorporate thermal management features to dissipate heat from the cells effectively in the harsh space environment. Additionally, we integrate servicing holes for accessibility, photodiodes for rudimentary sun sensing, and temperature sensors to validate our thermal models. This comprehensive approach ensures our power generation system's reliable operation and longevity in orbit.

We're constantly working on ambitious projects that demand cutting-edge technology and precision engineering. To bring our innovative ideas to life, we rely heavily on rapid prototyping and high-quality manufacturing. Support from a partner like PCBWay would be invaluable to us. Access to efficient and affordable PCB production would significantly accelerate our development process, allowing us to iterate quickly and confidently on our designs. This kind of support would be a game-changer for our team, empowering us to push the boundaries of what's possible in student-led space projects and ultimately achieve our goals.