Revolutionizing Space Exploration: Curtin University's Binar-1 CubeSat Project

• Networks & Connectivity - Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
• Processors & Edge Intelligence - Microcontrollers & Printed Circuit Boards

• Equipment & Machinery
• Telecommunications

• Procurement
• Product Research & Development

• Building Automation & Control
• Smart Campus

• Hardware Design & Engineering Services
• Training

The Binar team at Curtin University's Space Science and Technology Centre aimed to create a custom-designed CubeSat that was smaller and more effective than the existing miniature satellites. The challenge was to build a CubeSat from scratch, as most universities traditionally use kits made in the US or Europe. The team believed that designing their own CubeSat would provide a more enriching learning experience and inspire others to take a similar approach. They aimed to reduce the space inside a CubeSat to create a more lightweight and powerful device. The initial designs were between 2U and 3U, but the team wanted to reduce this to just 1U. The goal was to fit all the systems designed at Curtin University onto a single PCB that could fit in their 1U CubeSat.

The customer in this case study is the Binar team at Curtin University's Space Science and Technology Centre in Western Australia. The team, which includes students and engineers, is focused on advancing the Australian space sector through innovative projects. They approach space exploration from a research perspective, aiming to generate excitement about space and inspire others to take a hands-on approach to learning. The team's ambitious project to design and build their own CubeSat from scratch demonstrates their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of space technology.

The Binar team used Altium Designer to develop their CubeSat, Binar-1. This software was central to the development of the compact satellite, providing the advanced capabilities needed for the task. The team was able to implement changes quickly and effectively using Altium Designer's impedance and length matching tools, as well as the Design Rule Check feature. The software's Manufacturer Part Search integration with premade footprints also saved significant design time. The final design of Binar-1 was very different from the initial ones, as the team found new ways to separate all the subsystems and distribute all the necessary signal lines and power planes. The result was Binar-1, the first Western Australia-designed spacecraft that was successfully launched into orbit. The nanosatellite fully met the CubeSat standard while being substantially more cost-effective and powerful than traditional designs.

• The successful launch of Binar-1 has had a significant impact on Western Australia's burgeoning space ecosystem, generating excitement and inspiring future missions. The project has also had a profound educational impact, getting high school students excited about careers in space and helping them discover new careers in the Australian space industry. The Binar team is now working on Binar-2, Binar-3, and Binar-4, with more people involved in the PCB design process. The team's collaboration, communication, and design process will be facilitated by Altium 365's support. With the comprehensive tools and training provided by Altium, the Binar team is poised for even greater success in the future.

• The Binar-1 CubeSat was successfully launched into orbit, marking the first time a Western Australia-designed spacecraft achieved this feat.

• The team was able to reduce the size of their CubeSat from the initial designs of 2U and 3U down to just 1U, making it more lightweight and powerful.

• The use of Altium Designer's Manufacturer Part Search integration with premade footprints saved significant design time.