Raspberry Pi and Microcontrollers Powering Educational CubeSat Space Missions
By
warrenm
Sesame, salt, and substance. A flagship bake.
Summary
This article explores the use of Raspberry Pi computers and microcontrollers in CubeSats (small satellites), highlighting how these affordable, accessible computing platforms are being used for space education and experimentation. The author discusses several existing Pi-powered satellites already in space, including projects like Mark Rober's SatGus, GASPACS, and Astro Pis on the International Space Station, and mentions an upcoming Pi satellite launch. The content focuses on the educational value and accessibility of using consumer-grade computing hardware for space exploration.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledThese are CubeSats. Satellites that are going to space—or at least, the ones I have here are prototypes.
But these have one thing in common: they're all powered by either a Raspberry Pi, or a microcontroller.
There are already Pis in space, like on Mark Rober's SatGus, on GASPACS, and the Astro Pis on the Space station.
I wanted to spend some time talking about two things that fascinate me: Raspberry Pis, and putting them space!
Article URL: https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2025/cubesats-are-fascinating-learning-tools-space
Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45249878
Points: 22
# Comments: 2
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