Build Your
Own Satellite
Mini Satellite Engineering Program
Students build and program real Mini Satellites, collect sensor data, and connect their work to real-world space missions. Space theory meets hands-on engineering.
What Students Get
Everything needed to go from space theory to hands-on satellite engineering — in one program.
Real Mini Satellite Hardware
Students work with actual Mini Satellite boards — not simulations. They assemble, wire, and program real satellite hardware from day one.
Hands-On Programming
Students write and upload real code, read sensor data via serial monitor, and log outputs to file — building genuine programming skills.
Live Sensor Data Collection
Students collect real data from temperature, pressure, humidity, GPS, IMU, gyroscope, and LoRa communication sensors.
Space Foundations First
Before touching hardware, students build a strong understanding of orbits, rockets, satellites, GPS, and real-world industry applications.
Data Visualization
Students plot and analyse multi-sensor data in a live dashboard — developing the analytical skills used by real satellite engineers.
Capstone Mission
The program ends with a combined sensor challenge — students navigate and complete tasks using all the skills and data they've built up.
20 Modules — What You'll Learn
The program is split into two parts. Start with the science, then build the satellite.
Modules 01–07 | Before students touch hardware, they build a strong theoretical understanding of how space, satellites, and real-world applications actually work.
Orbits
- —LEO, MEO, GEO — what makes each orbit unique
- —Why altitude affects satellite function and mission type
- —Orbital period and how satellites stay in orbit
Atmospheric Layers
- —Troposphere to exosphere — structure and boundaries
- —Temperature, pressure, and density changes by layer
- —How each layer affects satellites and space travel
How Rockets Work
- —Rocket stages and why multi-stage rockets are used
- —Payload separation and delivery to orbit
- —The journey from launchpad to orbit
Satellites & Their Uses
- —Categories: communication, navigation, Earth observation
- —How satellites serve everyday life
- —Satellite lifespan, orbit decay, and decommissioning
How GPS Works
- —Signal triangulation — how 4 satellites find your location
- —Timing, geometry, and accuracy
- —Real-world applications of GPS beyond navigation
Starlink Case Study
- —What is a satellite constellation?
- —How Starlink delivers global internet coverage
- —Coverage maps, latency, and real-world performance
Satellites & Industry
- —Weather forecasting and disaster response
- —Agriculture, land use, and remote sensing
- —How satellite data serves environmental sectors
Meet the Mini Satellite
- —Board identification and component overview
- —Pin layout and power connections
- —Wiring orientation and safety basics
Building with Breadboards / PCB
- —Circuit basics — voltage, current, resistance
- —Safe wiring practices
- —Connecting sensors to the Mini Satellite board
Programming the Mini Satellite
- —Writing and uploading basic code
- —Reading sensor output via serial monitor
- —Logging data to file
Temperature Sensor
- —Continuous data logging over time
- —Graphing temperature and identifying patterns
- —Comparing Mini Satellite readings to real-world data
Altitude & Pressure
- —Altitude readings at different heights
- —Linking pressure changes to altitude and weather
- —Comparing predicted vs measured values
Humidity Sensor
- —Reading and logging humidity data
- —Comparing indoor vs outdoor conditions
- —Combining humidity with temperature for analysis
GPS
- —Logging coordinates and plotting a path
- —Understanding accuracy and signal strength
- —Mapping a route using Mini Satellite GPS data
Motion & Acceleration (IMU)
- —Detecting and logging movement events
- —Reading acceleration data across 3 axes
- —Identifying patterns from motion logs
Communication (LoRa)
- —Wireless data transmission basics
- —Sender and receiver setup
- —Signal range testing and data integrity checks
Gyroscope
- —Orientation tracking using gyroscope sensor
- —Understanding 3D rotation — roll, pitch, and yaw
- —Reading and interpreting live gyroscope output
Data Visualization
- —Visualizing sensor readings in a live UI dashboard
- —Plotting data from all sensors in real time
- —Comparing and analysing trends across multiple sensors
Real Satellite Data
- —Accessing real mission data from open sources
- —Interpreting satellite sensor readings
- —Comparing real data to Mini Satellite output
⭐ Treasure Track — Capstone Mission
- —Combined multi-sensor challenge
- —Navigate and complete tasks using Mini Satellite data
- —Final assessment — applying all fundamental knowledge
What Students Walk Away With
By the end of the program, students have real knowledge, real data, and real engineering experience.
Space Knowledge
- Understand how satellites orbit Earth and why altitude matters
- Explain how rockets work, stage by stage, from launch to orbit
- Describe how GPS, weather, and communications satellites work
- Connect satellite technology to real industries and daily life
- Analyse real-world cases like Starlink and satellite constellations
Engineering Skills
- Assemble and wire a real Mini Satellite board with multiple sensors
- Write, upload, and debug code to operate satellite hardware
- Collect, log, and compare live sensor data against real-world readings
- Visualise multi-sensor data in a live dashboard
- Complete a full capstone mission applying all program skills
Technical Skills Gained
Students leave with a direct connection between classroom science and professional space engineering — the same sensors, data types, and analysis methods used in real satellite missions.
Everything You Need to Know
Total Modules
20 Modules
Program Parts
Space Foundations + Mini Satellite Engineering
Hardware
Real Mini Satellite Kit
Who It's For
Middle & High School Students
Format
Hands-On + Online
Capstone
Treasure Track Mission
Full Competition Support — Every Space Challenge
We guide and support our students through all space-related competitions. From preparing submissions to coaching presentations, our team is with you at every stage.
Ready to Build Your Own Satellite? 🛰️
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Register Your Interest
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