Geoscan engaged in the development of CubeSat small spacecraft in 2021, becoming one of the manufacturers of platforms for educational satellites under the Space-π project of the Foundation for Assistance to Innovations.
CubeSats are standardized educational small satellites. The dimensions of the basic 1U satellite are 10×10×10 cm with a mass not exceeding 2 kg. CubeSats can be up to 24U (20×30×40 cm) in size, and their size depends on the dimensions of the onboard systems and payloads. They are used to teach satellite design, programming and assembly, amateur radio communication sessions, flight tests of onboard systems and instruments in the near-Earth orbit, and for school, student and scientific space experiments.
A total of 16 satellites developed by Geoscan were launched into orbit.
- 2022: Geoscan-Edelveis, the first private small satellite from St. Petersburg.
- 2023: StratoSat TK-1, Geoscan’s first customer satellite created for Stratonautica company.
- 2024: five CubeSats developed for partner universities under the Space-π project.
- 2025: eight of Geoscan’s own 3U and 16U small satellites, along with the 239Alferov satellite, built as part of the Space-π project for the Presidential Physics and Mathematics Lyceum No. 239 and the Zhores Alferov Physics and Technology School.
Geoscan 3U
The Geoscan 3U satellite platform can carry up to four payloads up to 2U in volume: Earth remote sensing (ERS) cameras and small scientific instruments.
CAN bus is used for connection of the payload. Also, a high-speed configurable bus consisting of four wires with LVDS physical layers is used to transfer large amounts of data from the payload.
A separate interface board, on which other connection interfaces can be implemented in agreement with the platform developers, is developed for each satellite for connection with the payload.
Each unit is equipped with a 2 MP overview camera. Magnetic and flywheel systems are used for orientation in space.
CubeSat Geoscan 3U
- 1,8 kg assembled weight
- 6 kg max weight including payload
- 100х100х340,5 mm dimensions folded
Geoscan 3U specifications
| № | Specification | Modification 1 (truncated configuration) | Modification 2 (full set) |
| 1 | Assembled weight (without a payload), kg | 1,8 | 2,3 |
| 2 | Maximum weight of a payload, kg | 4.2 kg | 3.7 kg |
| 3 | Maximum weight including а payload, kg | 6 kg | |
| 4 | Dimensions folded (with separation system locked), mm | 100х100х340,5 (100x100x376,5 with Tuna Can) |
|
| 5 | Available volume for a payload, mm | 95х95х180 (~2U) | |
| 6 | Radiation protection | aluminum sheet 1.2 mm | |
| 7 | Available supply for a payload | stabilized 3,3…12 В / 2 А, unstabilized 7…8,4 В / 2А |
|
| 8 | Payload average power at LEO (specified for a specific orbit), W | 2 | |
| 9 | Available maximum output of a payload (specified for a specific orbit), W | 15 | |
| 10 | Storage battery capacity, W*h | 50 | |
| 11 | Battery type | Li-ion 2S 7200 mAh | |
| 12 | Number of solar panels, pcs. | up to 12 (silicon) | |
| 13 | Peak output produced on 1 solar panel in LEO, W | at least 1 | |
| 14 | Onboard interface | CAN | |
| 15 | Payload interface | CAN / UART / SPI, others on request | |
| 16 | Low-speed radio channel frequency, MHz | 435-438 | |
| 17 | Data transmission speed through low-speed radio channel, bit/s | 2400, 9600, 57600 | |
| 18 | High-speed transmitter frequency, GHz | - | 10,45-10,5 |
| 19 | High-speed radio channel data rate, Mbit/s | - | up to 250 |
| 20 | Radio command channel signal modulation type | frequency | |
| 21 | Type of modulation of a high-speed radio channel signal | - | phase |
| 22 | Antenna type of low-speed radio channel | turnstile | |
| 23 | Antenna type of high-speed radio channel | - | antenna array |
| 24 | Maximum transmitter power, dBm | 30…32 | |
| 25 | Orientation system | magnetometers, solar sensors, horizon sensor, inertial module |
magnetometers, solar sensors, horizon sensor, inertial module GNSS receiver |
| 26 | Attitude support system | magnetic coils | magnetic coils, flywheels |
| 27 | Stabilization modes | B-Dot | B-Dot triaxial orientation: - in the sun, - at nadir, - to a point on Earth |
| 28 | Orientation accuracy | up to 1˚ | |
| 29 | Attitude system accuracy | - | up to 1˚ |
| 30 | Additionally | 2 MP technology camera, Software update via low-speed radio channel, Management of small spacecraft for 1 year after launch |
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| 31 | Documentation | Passport, Manual |
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On-board systems modules
Geoscan’s electronic modules are designed to perform the essential functions of small spacecraft (SSC) platforms. These devices cover a wide range of tasks, including power management, data processing, communication, and spatial orientation. The lineup features a UHF transceiver, an X-band transmitter, an on-board computer, power system control boards, and reaction wheels— components critical to full-scale operation of satellites. The modules are fully reprogrammable, enabling customization for specific project requirements and compatibility across various platforms. Additional components of the spacecraft platforms include a reaction wheels module and solar panels equipped with integrated orientation system sensors.
Geoscan’s products stand out for their versatility, compactness, and reliability. Their high level of integration and manufacturing quality ensure consistent performance in space conditions. Reprogrammability and compatibility with third-party platforms make these modules a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for small satellite developers. Ease of integration across diverse platforms and extensive functionality offer customers flexibility in designing and executing space missions.
The tasks for the CubeSats
- training school and university students in the design, programming and assembly of real spacecrafts;
- following their test flights in LEO (low Earth orbit);
- organising competitions and experiments via the amateur radio frequency network.
The CubeSat Geoscan 3U is being developed within the parameters of the Russian educational project for the creation of satellite constellation (Space-π) for student career guidance which is supported by the Innovation Assistance Foundation.