{
  "id": "blackwing-kestrel",
  "title": "Kestrel",
  "maker": "Blackwing Space",
  "maker_type": "Commercial",
  "kind": "platform",
  "category": "platforms",
  "page": "https://spacemushroom.com/space-products/blackwing-kestrel/",
  "website": "https://blackwingspace.com",
  "summary": "3U XL nanosatellite platform; the site lists specs and a configurator link but no datasheet.",
  "application": "A mid-size 3U XL platform with room for a 4 kg payload and 30 W of orbit-average power. It is sold online with transparent pricing and can ride in open slots of existing rideshare deployers, which helps teams that need a late launch opportunity.",
  "story": {
    "headline": "Kestrel is the middle satellite platform in Blackwing Space's range, a 3U XL made to carry a customer's payload.",
    "intro": [
      "Kestrel sits between the small Sparrow and the large Osprey in Blackwing Space's range of satellite platforms. It is a 3U XL, sold online and rated at 3 to 30 watts of average power over an orbit. Blackwing says the rails let a satellite join a shared launch late, by taking an open slot in a dispenser.",
      "The frame is 6061 aluminium with a hard anodised finish, and Blackwing says it is qualified for the mechanical loads of SpaceX rideshare launches. Inside is the same Rook flight computer as on Sparrow. Two Puffin battery packs hold 150 watt-hours between them."
    ],
    "built": [
      {
        "title": "Frame and side panels",
        "text": "The frame alone weighs 375 grams. Optional side panels come blank, ready for the customer to modify, and add another 680 grams. Assembly instructions and fasteners are included, and the frame has built-in connections for deployment switches, solar arrays, a de-orbiting device, antennas and radiators.",
        "parts": [
          "Kestrel 3U XL Chassis",
          "Kestrel 3U XL Chassis optional side panels",
          "Kestrel 3U XL Chassis assembly fasteners",
          "Chassis interface provisions",
          "Rideshare-qualified frame"
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Computer and battery",
        "text": "The Rook board puts the flight computer and power control on one four-layer FR-4 circuit board. Its charge controller takes solar or USB-C input. Each Puffin Pack holds lithium-ion 18650 cells, and Kestrel carries two of them.",
        "parts": [
          "Rook onboard computer (one per platform)",
          "Rook printed circuit board",
          "Charge controller, TI BQ25798 buck-boost",
          "Puffin battery pack (Puffin Pack)"
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Radio, pointing and propulsion",
        "text": "An S-band radio rated at 5 megabits a second is available for Kestrel and Osprey only. Pointing control comes in coarse versions, accurate to better than 10 degrees, and a precision version, better than 1 degree. Electric propulsion is available in a standard and an advanced form.",
        "parts": [
          "S-band radio",
          "2-axis coarse ADCS",
          "3-axis fine ADCS",
          "Electric propulsion, standard",
          "Electric propulsion, advanced"
        ]
      }
    ],
    "materials": [
      {
        "name": "Aluminium alloy 6061",
        "mid": "aluminium-6061",
        "where": "The 3U XL frame, finished with hard anodising."
      },
      {
        "name": "FR-4",
        "mid": "fr-4",
        "where": "The four-layer Rook circuit board."
      },
      {
        "name": "Lithium-ion cells",
        "mid": "lithium-ion-cell",
        "where": "The 18650 cells in each of the two Puffin Packs."
      },
      {
        "name": "PEEK",
        "mid": "peek",
        "where": "A draft Blackwing specification names PEEK, a plastic, as an alternative to aluminium for the frame."
      }
    ],
    "connections": "Blackwing says Kestrel complies with the CubeSat Design Specification and the PC/104 board format. It names four compatible dispensers, which also fit Sparrow and Osprey: SEOPS Equalizer Flex, Maverick Space NLAS, Exolaunch EXOpod Nova and SPACEMIND SMPOD12. The Rook computer grew out of PyCubed, an open-source CubeSat design. Blackwing's pages mention no Kestrel flight.",
    "unknown": "Blackwing hasn't published a datasheet, developer page or interface guide for Kestrel, and says final specifications go to qualified customers on request. It says all its platforms share one payload interface, but only Sparrow's is documented. Its pages give two different payload masses and two different lengths for Kestrel.",
    "facts": [
      {
        "label": "Form factor",
        "value": "3U XL"
      },
      {
        "label": "Platform mass",
        "value": "6 kg"
      },
      {
        "label": "Orbit-average power",
        "value": "3 to 30 W"
      },
      {
        "label": "Battery capacity",
        "value": "150 W-h (two Puffin Packs)"
      },
      {
        "label": "Structure mass",
        "value": "375 g (+680 g with blank side panels)"
      }
    ]
  },
  "specifications": [
    {
      "label": "Form factor",
      "value": "3U XL",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com",
      "quote": "Kestrel 3U XL"
    },
    {
      "label": "Payload",
      "value": "4 kg payload mass; 2U payload volume; 30W OAP (not defined on the site)",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com",
      "quote": "Payload: 4 kg ᐧ 2U ᐧ 30W OAP"
    },
    {
      "label": "Compatible deployers",
      "value": "SEOPS Equalizer Flex, Maverick Space NLAS, Exolaunch EXOpod Nova, SPACEMIND SMPOD12",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com",
      "quote": "SEOPS Equalizer Flex · Maverick Space NLAS · Exolaunch EXOpod Nova · SPACEMIND SMPOD12"
    },
    {
      "label": "Kestrel 3U XL structure mass",
      "value": "375 g (+680 g with blank side panels)",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl",
      "quote": "375g structure (+680g with blank side panels)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Kestrel dimensions (chassis page)",
      "value": "340 / 100 / 100 mm (page text says Standard 6U, a typo)",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl",
      "quote": "Standard 6U overall dimensions (340 / 100 / 100 mm)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Kestrel stowed dimensions (pricing page)",
      "value": "366 x 100 x 100 mm",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
      "quote": "Stowed Dimensions (mm) | 113.5 × 100 × 100 | 170 × 100 × 100 | 366 × 100 × 100"
    },
    {
      "label": "Kestrel payload limit (chassis page)",
      "value": "2.95 kg (pricing page says 4 kg)",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl",
      "quote": "Payloads up to 2.95 kg"
    },
    {
      "label": "Platform mass",
      "value": "6 kg",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
      "quote": "Platform Mass | 2 kg | 3 kg | 6 kg | 12 kg"
    },
    {
      "label": "Orbit-average power",
      "value": "3 to 30 W",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
      "quote": "On-Orbit Average Power (OAP) | 0–5 W | 1–10 W | 3–30 W | 10–60 W"
    },
    {
      "label": "Battery capacity",
      "value": "150 W-h (two Puffin Packs)",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
      "quote": "150 W-h (2x Puffin Pack)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Draft structure mass range (1U to 6U)",
      "value": "0.15 kg (1U) to 0.80 kg (6U) including fasteners, draft",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications",
      "quote": "Mass: 0.15 kg (1U) – 0.80 kg (6U) including fasteners"
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: rail minimum width",
      "value": "8.5 mm, measured from the rail edge to the first protrusion",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "Rails shall have a minimum width of 8.5mm measured from the edge of the rail to the first protrusion on each face."
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: rail surface roughness",
      "value": "less than 1.6 micrometres (a 'should')",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "Rails should have a surface roughness less than 1.6 µm."
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: rail edge radius",
      "value": "at least 1 mm (a 'should')",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "The edges of the rails should be rounded to a radius of at least 1 mm."
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: rail end contact area",
      "value": "6.5 mm x 6.5 mm minimum on the +/- Z face",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "The ends of the rails on the +/- Z face shall have a minimum surface area of 6.5 mm x 6.5 mm contact area"
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: protrusion limit",
      "value": "6.5 mm normal to the surface from the plane of the rail",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "shall protrude farther than 6.5 mm normal to the surface from the plane of the rail"
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: rail contact with dispenser",
      "value": "at least 75% of the rail",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "At least 75% of the rail should be in contact with the dispenser rails."
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: structure material",
      "value": "aluminium alloy; 7075, 6061, 6082, 5005 and/or 5052 typical",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "Typically, Aluminum 7075, 6061, 6082, 5005, and/or 5052 are used for both the main CubeSat structure and the rails."
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: rail surface finish",
      "value": "hard anodized wherever it touches the dispenser rails",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "shall be hard anodized to prevent any cold welding within the dispenser"
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: maximum mass per size",
      "value": "1U 2.00 kg, 1.5U 3.00 kg, 2U 4.00 kg, 3U 6.00 kg, 6U 12.00 kg, 12U 24.00 kg",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "1U 2.00 1.5U 3.00 2U 4.00 3U 6.00 6U 12.00 12U 24.00"
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: separation spring guideline",
      "value": "max force below 6.7 N (1.5 lbf), stroke above 2.5 mm",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "select a separation spring with a max force less than 6.7 N (1.5 lbf) but with a stroke length greater than 2.5 mm"
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: deployment switch",
      "value": "at least one, actuated while the CubeSat is in the dispenser",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "The CubeSat shall have, at a minimum, one deployment switch, which is actuated while integrated in the dispenser."
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: outgassing",
      "value": "TML at most 1.0 % and CVCM at most 0.1 %",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "CubeSats materials shall have a Total Mass Loss (TML) of less than or equal to 1.0 %"
    },
    {
      "label": "CDS Rev 14.1: remove-before-flight pin",
      "value": "required; protrudes no more than 6.5 mm from the rail surface when fully inserted",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cubesatdesignspecificationrev14_12022-02-09.pdf",
      "quote": "The RBF pin shall protrude no more than 6.5 mm from the CubeSat rail surface when it is fully inserted into the satellite."
    }
  ],
  "features": [
    {
      "text": "Sold online as a commercial off-the-shelf system with transparent pricing",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com",
      "quote": "sold online as commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems with consistent, transparent, and affordable pricing"
    },
    {
      "text": "Modular architecture",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com",
      "quote": "backed by a modular architecture and human-centered design"
    },
    {
      "text": "Railed CubeSat format supports late manifesting in existing deployer slots",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com",
      "quote": "Railed Cubesats enable true late-manifesting, taking advantage of open slots in existing deployers on rideshare missions"
    }
  ],
  "parts": [
    {
      "assembly": "Chassis (frame)",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Kestrel 3U XL Chassis",
          "material": "Aluminum 6061 T6 or T651",
          "form": "chassis (frame)",
          "finish": "Hard anodized (Anodized + Flight); anodize type/class not stated",
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "SKU KESTREL-3U-XL-CHASSI",
          "quote": "Aluminum 6061 T6 or T651 Hard anodized (Anodized + Flight)",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl",
          "profile": "aluminium-6061",
          "mid": "aluminium-6061"
        },
        {
          "part": "Kestrel 3U XL Chassis optional side panels",
          "material": "not stated",
          "form": "panel",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Optional side panels ready to be modified to end user needs",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Kestrel 3U XL Chassis assembly fasteners",
          "material": "not stated",
          "form": "fastener",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Guided assembly instructions and fasteners provided",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Structure (all platforms table)",
          "material": "Al 6061-T6",
          "form": "structure",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Structure Material Al 6061-T6",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": "aluminium-6061",
          "mid": "aluminium-6061"
        },
        {
          "part": "Chassis interface provisions",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Includes interfaces for deployment switches, solar arrays, de-orbiting device, HF antennas, radiators and more",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Mounting and electrical interfaces built into the chassis for deployment switches, solar arrays, de-orbiting device, HF antennas and radiators"
        },
        {
          "part": "Tuna can antenna volume",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Tuna can antenna ready",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Chassis is prepared for the CubeSat -Z face extra-volume antenna"
        },
        {
          "part": "Blank side panels",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "375g structure (+680g with blank side panels)",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Optional panels bolted to the chassis; sold blank to be modified by the user",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Mass added by panels",
              "value": "680 g",
              "quote": "375g structure (+680g with blank side panels)",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Rideshare-qualified frame",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Frame qualified to SpaceX ride share mechanical levels",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Frame is stated as qualified to SpaceX rideshare mechanical levels"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Avionics (Rook board)",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Rook onboard computer (one per platform)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Blackwing Space",
          "quote": "Rook is Blackwing Space’s integrated flight avionics board",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Flight computer, command and data handling and electrical power system on one four-layer board; the platform's OBC",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Fitted to the platform",
              "value": "1x Rook OBC (ARM Cortex-M4F at 120 MHz, 1 MB flash, 512 KB MRAM, up to 2 TB microSD)",
              "quote": "1x Rook OBC (ARM Cortex-M4F @ 120MHz, 1MB Flash, 512KB MRAM, up to 2TB microSD)",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing"
            },
            {
              "label": "PCB size",
              "value": "approximately 90.2 x 95.9 mm",
              "quote": "Approximately 90.2 x 95.9 mm",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board"
            },
            {
              "label": "Mounting",
              "value": "4 mm x 4 mm corner mounting holes, common with the Dodo payload board",
              "quote": "4 mm x 4 mm corner mounting holes, common with Dodo",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Rook printed circuit board",
          "material": "FR-4 (glass-epoxy laminate; grade not stated)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Four-layer FR-4",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": "fr-4",
          "mid": "fr-4",
          "function": "Carries all Rook electronics",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Size",
              "value": "approximately 90.2 x 95.9 mm",
              "quote": "Approximately 90.2 x 95.9 mm",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Flight processor, Microchip ATSAMD51J20A",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Microchip",
          "quote": "Microchip ATSAMD51J20A, 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4F, up to 120 MHz",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "32-bit Arm Cortex-M4F running CircuitPython or embedded C",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Memory",
              "value": "1 MB internal flash, 256 KB SRAM",
              "quote": "1 MB internal flash, 256 KB SRAM",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Persistent memory, Everspin MR25H40 MRAM",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Everspin",
          "quote": "Everspin MR25H40 MRAM, 4 Mbit (512 KB)",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Stores logs, event counters, calibration data and safe-mode flags"
        },
        {
          "part": "QSPI NOR flash, Winbond W25Q128",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Winbond",
          "quote": "Winbond W25Q128 NOR flash, 128 Mbit (16 MB)",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Holds software, libraries, telemetry buffers and over-the-air images"
        },
        {
          "part": "microSD card interface",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Removable storage - microSD interface",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Removable bulk storage for mission or payload data",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Capacity quoted on pricing page",
              "value": "up to 2 TB microSD",
              "quote": "up to 2TB microSD",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Inertial sensor, BNO086",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "BNO086 nine-axis IMU with onboard sensor fusion",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Nine-axis IMU with onboard sensor fusion"
        },
        {
          "part": "Watchdogs (SAMD51 internal and MAX706 external)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "SAMD51 internal watchdog and MAX706 external watchdog",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Watchdog recovery of the flight computer"
        },
        {
          "part": "Bootloader ROOKBOOT",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "ROOKBOOT, in the protected 16 KB BOOTPROT region, with MRAM backup image",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Runs first after every reset from a protected flash region; MRAM holds a backup image"
        },
        {
          "part": "Flight software environment",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "CircuitPython 10 or embedded C",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "CircuitPython 10 or embedded C on the Rook board"
        },
        {
          "part": "GPIO expander, MCP23017",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "MCP23017 16-bit I2C GPIO expander - burn-wire relays, payload power switching, RBF sensing, charger interrupts",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "16-bit I2C expander for burn-wire relays, payload power switching, RBF sensing and charger interrupts"
        },
        {
          "part": "I2C hot-swap buffers, TCA4307 (x4)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Four TCA4307 I2C hot-swap and stuck-bus-recovery buffers",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Hot-swap and stuck-bus recovery on the I2C buses"
        },
        {
          "part": "Burn-wire drivers",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "High-current burn-wire drivers with hardware relay inhibit",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Release deployables; hardware relay inhibit"
        },
        {
          "part": "Radio interface connector (20-pin Samtec) and SMP RF connection",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Samtec",
          "quote": "20-pin Samtec connector - power, SPI, reset, programming, control; separate SMP RF connection",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Power, SPI, reset, programming and control to the radio, plus a separate RF cable connection"
        },
        {
          "part": "GNSS footprint, Orion B16-S L1/L5 (provision only)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Orion B16-S L1/L5 footprint provision and SMP antenna connection - NOT populated in the current BOM",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Footprint and SMP antenna connection for a GNSS receiver; not populated in the current bill of materials"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Electrical power (Rook board)",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Charge controller, TI BQ25798 buck-boost",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Texas Instruments",
          "quote": "TI BQ25798 buck-boost charger",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Dual-input (solar and USB-C) battery charger, software-programmable up to 5 A",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Charge current",
              "value": "software-programmable, up to 5 A",
              "quote": "Software-programmable, up to 5 A",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Solar-input ideal-diode controllers, LTC4412 (x6)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Six LTC4412 ideal-diode PowerPath controllers",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Isolate the solar inputs from each other so shaded panels cannot backfeed"
        },
        {
          "part": "eFuse, TPS259470 (with fuses, TVS, zener clamps, battery protection FETs)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "TPS259470 eFuse, physical fuses, TVS protection, zener clamps, and battery protection FETs",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Layered electrical protection"
        },
        {
          "part": "Low-noise regulator, LT3045",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "LT3045-regulated RF/GNSS supply",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Supplies the RF and GNSS circuits"
        },
        {
          "part": "Radio power-amplifier supply (switched 11 V boost)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Switched 11 V boost supply",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Powers the radio power amplifier"
        },
        {
          "part": "Power monitor, ADM1176",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "ADM1176 voltage and current monitor",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Voltage and current monitoring"
        },
        {
          "part": "Regulated rails (3.3 V and two 5 V)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "3.3 V and two 5 V rails",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Rails offered to the platform and payload"
        },
        {
          "part": "Puffin battery pack (Puffin Pack)",
          "material": "Lithium-ion 18650 cells, two in series",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "150 W-h (2x Puffin Pack)",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "lithium-ion-cell",
          "function": "Rechargeable battery pack; platform carries two Puffin Packs (150 W-h)",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Battery board",
              "value": "18650 Li-ion, two cells in series, nominal 7.2 to 7.4 V, 5 A slow-blow fuse",
              "quote": "Puffin - 18650 Li-ion, two-cell series, nominal 7.2 to 7.4 V, 5 A slow-blow fuse",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Radios (options)",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Warbler UHF radio",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Warbler UHF radio - OpenLST-derived, on the dedicated 20-pin Rook radio interface",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "OpenLST-derived UHF radio on the Rook radio interface"
        },
        {
          "part": "Hummingbird LoRa radio",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Hummingbird LoRa radio - packet, telemetry, ground-station, and RF-link development. (Available Q3 2026)",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "LoRa radio for packet, telemetry, ground-station and RF-link development; stated as available Q3 2026"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Optional modules (pricing page)",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Deployable solar panel wings (1 or 2 panels)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Deployable Solar Panels (1 Panel)",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Optional deployable arrays to raise orbit-average power; body-mounted panels are the alternative",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Choices",
              "value": "body mounted, deployable wings (1 panel), deployable wings (2 panel)",
              "quote": "Body Mounted Deployable Wings (1 Panel) Deployable Wings (2 Panel)",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/configure-0"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "S-band radio",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "S-Band Radio — — $5,000 $5,000",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Higher-rate downlink; offered on Kestrel and Osprey only",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Band and rate",
              "value": "2 to 2.3 GHz, 5 Mbps (configurator)",
              "quote": "S-Band: 2–2.3 GHz / 5 Mbps",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/configure-0"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Iridium transceiver",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Iridium Transceiver — $5,000 $5,000 $5,000",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Global backup communications band",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Band and rate",
              "value": "1.6 GHz, 2.4 kbps (configurator)",
              "quote": "Iridium: 1.6 GHz / 2.4 Kbps",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/configure-0"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "2-axis coarse ADCS",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "ADCS (2-Axis Coarse) — — $20,000 $20,000",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Attitude control option; offered on Kestrel and Osprey",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Pointing",
              "value": "2-axis, standard, < 10 deg",
              "quote": "2-Axis Control (Standard, < 10 deg)",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/configure-0"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "3-axis coarse ADCS",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "ADCS (3-Axis Coarse)",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Attitude control option",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Pointing",
              "value": "3-axis, standard, < 10 deg",
              "quote": "3-Axis Control (Standard, < 10 deg)",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/configure-0"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "3-axis fine ADCS",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "ADCS (3-Axis Fine) — — $50,000 $50,000",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Precision attitude control option; offered on Kestrel and Osprey",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Pointing",
              "value": "3-axis, precision, < 1 deg",
              "quote": "3-Axis Control (Precision, < 1 deg)",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/configure-0"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Electric propulsion, standard",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Electric Propulsion (Standard) — — $20,000 $20,000",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Orbit-control option; offered on Kestrel and Osprey",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Configurator name",
              "value": "Electric Propulsion, Standard",
              "quote": "Electric Propulsion, Standard",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/configure-0"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Electric propulsion, advanced",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Electric Propulsion (Advanced) — — $30,000 $30,000",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Higher-performance orbit-control option",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Configurator name",
              "value": "Electric Propulsion, High-Performance",
              "quote": "Electric Propulsion, High-Performance",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/configure-0"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Passive drag sail",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Passive Drag Sail (Deorbit)",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/pricing",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "Deorbit device for the FCC 5-year lifetime rule",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Purpose",
              "value": "passive deorbit device for FCC 5-year lifetime rule compliance",
              "quote": "Optionally add a passive deorbit device for FCC 5-year lifetime rule compliance",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/configure-0"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Draft specification page options",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Structure option: PEEK frame",
          "material": "PEEK",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Material: Aluminum 6061-T6 or PEEK",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications",
          "profile": "peek",
          "mid": "peek",
          "function": "Alternative to aluminium in the draft structure specification (page marked draft, subject to change)"
        },
        {
          "part": "Structure option: carbon composite shell finish",
          "material": "Carbon composite (resin not stated)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Finish: Hard-anodized or carbon composite shell",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications",
          "profile": "carbon-fibre",
          "mid": "carbon-fibre",
          "function": "Alternative to hard anodizing in the draft structure specification"
        },
        {
          "part": "Draft solar panel cells (triple-junction GaAs)",
          "material": "Gallium arsenide (triple-junction cells)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Triple-junction GaAs cells > 29 % efficiency",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications",
          "profile": "gallium-arsenide",
          "mid": "gallium-arsenide",
          "function": "Draft specification for fixed or deployable arrays",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Array output",
              "value": "15 to 90 W depending on area and orientation (draft)",
              "quote": "Output: 15 – 90 W (depending on area/orientation)",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Draft power module cells (Li-ion or LiFePO4)",
          "material": "Lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate cells (draft)",
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Configurations: 1U–6U with Li-ion or LiFePO₄ packs",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "lithium-ion-cell",
          "function": "Draft specification for battery packs sized 1U to 6U",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Battery capacity",
              "value": "40 to 150 Wh (draft)",
              "quote": "Battery Capacity: 40 – 150 Wh",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Draft antennas (deployable spring or hinge type)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Deployable spring or hinge type; integrated ground plane",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "UHF (LoRa), S-band, Iridium and GNSS L1/E1 options with integrated ground plane",
          "specs": [
            {
              "label": "Polarization",
              "value": "Linear, RHCP or LHCP",
              "quote": "Polarization: Linear / RHCP / LHCP",
              "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "part": "Draft software-defined radio",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Software-Defined Radio (SDR) firmware reprogrammable on-orbit",
          "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null,
          "function": "UHF (LoRa), S-band or Iridium options; firmware reprogrammable on orbit"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "materials": [
    {
      "id": "aluminium-6061",
      "name": "Al 6061-T6",
      "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/aluminium-6061/"
    },
    {
      "id": "fr-4",
      "name": "FR-4 (glass-epoxy laminate; grade not stated)",
      "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/fr-4/"
    },
    {
      "id": "lithium-ion-cell",
      "name": "Lithium-ion or lithium iron phosphate cells (draft)",
      "material_page": null
    },
    {
      "id": "peek",
      "name": "PEEK",
      "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/peek/"
    },
    {
      "id": "carbon-fibre",
      "name": "Carbon composite (resin not stated)",
      "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/carbon-fibre/"
    },
    {
      "id": "gallium-arsenide",
      "name": "Gallium arsenide (triple-junction cells)",
      "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/gallium-arsenide/"
    }
  ],
  "standards": [
    {
      "name": "CubeSat specification (compliance claim only)",
      "org": "other",
      "used_for": "Chassis; the revision is not named"
    }
  ],
  "relations": [
    {
      "type": "launched_on",
      "target": "SEOPS Equalizer Flex (deployer)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "Compatible deployer: 1U to 12U, tab and rail, up to 96U per port, flown on SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare",
      "quote": "All integration occurs pre-launch on the ground. Blackwing Compatibility: Sparrow (1U), Kestrel (3U XL), Osprey (6U XL)",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/deployers"
    },
    {
      "type": "launched_on",
      "target": "Maverick Space Systems NLAS (deployer)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "Compatible deployer: ruggedized 6U (or 2x3U) dispenser with NASA Ames NLAS heritage",
      "quote": "launch brokering services. Blackwing Compatibility: Sparrow (1U), Kestrel (3U XL), Osprey (6U XL)",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/deployers"
    },
    {
      "type": "launched_on",
      "target": "Exolaunch EXOpod Nova (deployer)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "Compatible deployer: 6U to 16U, expands CubeSat Design Specification limits (+30% mass, +400% protrusion volume)",
      "quote": "optimized for small launch vehicles and OTVs. Blackwing Compatibility: Sparrow (1U), Kestrel (3U XL), Osprey (6U XL)",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/deployers"
    },
    {
      "type": "launched_on",
      "target": "NPC Spacemind SMPOD (deployer)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "Compatible deployer: SMPOD family, 3U/12U/16U, redundant NEA actuation; named on the home page as SMPOD12",
      "quote": "Compatible with most launch vehicles. Blackwing Compatibility: Sparrow (1U), Kestrel (3U XL), Osprey (6U XL)",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/deployers"
    },
    {
      "type": "built_on",
      "target": "CubeSat Design Specification (Cal Poly)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "Interface standard; the draft specification page claims compliance",
      "quote": "Compliance: Full PC/104 and CubeSat Design Standard",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications"
    },
    {
      "type": "built_on",
      "target": "PC/104 form factor",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "Board form factor named in the draft specification page",
      "quote": "Compliance: Full PC/104 and CubeSat Design Standard",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/specifications"
    },
    {
      "type": "built_on",
      "target": "CubeSat 101 (NASA CSLI guide to the CubeSat standard)",
      "target_slug": "nasa-cubesat-101",
      "note": "Reference for the CubeSat Design Specification and dispensers; the guide does not name this product",
      "quote": "take a look at the CubeSat Design Specification (CDS)",
      "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/nasa_csli_cubesat_101_508.pdf"
    },
    {
      "type": "heritage_of",
      "target": "PyCubed (open-source CubeSat flight computer)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "The Rook avionics board used on every platform evolved from the PyCubed architecture",
      "quote": "Rook evolved from the PyCubed architecture",
      "source_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/rook-avionics-board"
    }
  ],
  "not_published": "No Kestrel developer page, payload interface guide, drawings or STEP file are published (Blackwing says Kestrel developer tools are in development; the Sparrow guide is the only published interface document). The pricing page says all platforms share the same payload interfaces, but the Sparrow payload module drawings are Sparrow-specific and are not applied here. No anodize standard, fastener material, side-panel material, or connector part number for this platform is stated. Chassis pages say 'Aluminum 6061 T6 or T651' without saying which. More detail: Kestrel has no published developer page, interface guide or drawings (listed as coming soon). No bill of materials: fastener count and material, side-panel material, anodize type, solar panel and radio suppliers, ADCS and electric-propulsion suppliers, thermal coatings and adhesives are not stated. The chassis page gives 340 / 100 / 100 mm and 'Standard 6U' while the pricing page gives 366 x 100 x 100 mm for the 3U XL, and payload mass 2.95 kg vs 4 kg. The Specifications page is draft. No Kestrel has flown according to the pages read. More detail: Kestrel has no published developer page, interface guide or drawings (listed as coming soon). No bill of materials: fastener count and material, side-panel material, anodize type, solar panel and radio suppliers, ADCS and electric-propulsion suppliers, thermal coatings and adhesives are not stated. The chassis page gives 340 / 100 / 100 mm and 'Standard 6U' while the pricing page gives 366 x 100 x 100 mm for the 3U XL, and payload mass 2.95 kg vs 4 kg. The Specifications page is draft. No Kestrel has flown according to the pages read.",
  "depth": "partial",
  "photos": [
    {
      "file": "products/context/blackwing-kestrel-1.jpg",
      "alt": "Official render of the bare Kestrel 3U XL chassis, a tall grey perforated aluminium frame",
      "long": "Official render of the bare chassis: a grey aluminium frame with perforated walls.",
      "kind": "artwork",
      "context": "Official render",
      "credit": "Blackwing Space",
      "license": "Maker photo, shown with credit",
      "page_url": "https://blackwingspace.com/shop/kestrel-3u-xl"
    },
    {
      "file": "products/gallery/blackwing-kestrel-1.jpg",
      "alt": "Small CubeSat drifting in space near a robotic arm with a box-shaped deployer and a station solar array",
      "kind": "generic",
      "credit": "NASA",
      "license": "Public domain",
      "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ISS-47_CubeSat_deployment_-_MinXSS_and_CADRE_satellites.jpg",
      "long": "One small satellite floats against black space with Earth's thin blue limb below. A large folded solar array is at left and a taped cargo box on a robot arm is at upper right."
    },
    {
      "file": "products/gallery/blackwing-kestrel-2.jpg",
      "alt": "Out-of-focus CubeSat tumbling above clouds, with a green circuit board end and two round lenses",
      "kind": "generic",
      "credit": "NASA",
      "license": "Public domain",
      "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ISS-47_CubeSat_deployment_-_Lemur-2.jpg",
      "long": "A small elongated satellite with dark panels and a bright green board at one end, seen against a blurred background of white clouds and blue sea."
    }
  ],
  "context": {
    "size": [
      "3U"
    ]
  },
  "licence": "Product data CC BY 4.0, cite Space Mushroom. Photos keep their own licences, given per photo.",
  "mcp": "https://spacemushroom.com/mcp"
}