{ "id": "endurosat-cubesat-structures", "title": "EnduroSat CubeSat structures", "maker": "EnduroSat", "maker_type": "Commercial", "kind": "structure", "category": "structures", "page": "https://spacemushroom.com/space-products/endurosat-cubesat-structures/", "website": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "summary": "Commercial CubeSat structures in 1U, 1.5U, 3U and 6U sizes, described in the NASA state-of-the-art structures chapter with environmental qualification and flight heritage noted.", "application": "Commercial CubeSat frames in 1U, 1.5U, 3U and 6U sizes, with vibration and thermal-vacuum qualification and flight heritage on the 1U and 3U. A qualified structure shortens the path to a launch-ready satellite.", "story": { "headline": "EnduroSat makes aluminium CubeSat frames in four sizes, from 1U to 6U, tested for vibration and thermal vacuum.", "intro": [ "EnduroSat sells aluminium CubeSat frames in four sizes: 1U, 1.5U, 3U and 6U. NASA's 2021 chapter on structures reports vibration, thermal and thermal-vacuum testing, and says the 1U and 3U frames have flown. EnduroSat says more than 590 of its CubeSat structures are now in orbit.", "NASA's table names the metal for each size. The 3U and 6U frames are 6061 aluminium, and the 1U and 1.5U are given as 6061 or 7075. A 2022 design paper for the student CubeSat 3UCubed describes the 3U kit in more detail: a hard-anodised frame, brass rods that carry the circuit boards, and 304 stainless-steel screws and nuts." ], "built": [ { "title": "Frames and sizes", "text": "The 1U frame measures 100 by 100 by 114 millimetres. The 3U is 100 by 100 by 340 and the 6U is 100 by 226 by 366. NASA's table puts the 1U frame's mass under 0.1 kilogram and the 6U's under 1 kilogram.", "parts": [ "EnduroSat structures (all sizes)", "1U structure", "1.5U structure", "3U structure", "6U structure" ] }, { "title": "Inside the 3U kit", "text": "The paper says the 3U kit comes as a PC/104 base with rods, a frame, mid supports, a top plate and securing hardware. The frame is hard-anodised 6061 aluminium. The brass rods carry the board stack and help conduct heat.", "parts": [ "PC/104 base", "Mounting rods", "Frame", "Mid supports", "Top plate" ] }, { "title": "Switches and openings", "text": "The 3U kit comes with separation switches, and roller switches on the rails are optional. The screws and nuts are 304 stainless steel. Wide openings in the frame suited 3UCubed, whose instrument needed a clear 45-degree view, and they make solar panels easy to fit.", "parts": [ "Separation switches", "Roller switches on the rails (optional)", "Securing hardware (screws, nuts)", "Wide openings in the frame" ] } ], "materials": [ { "name": "Aluminium alloy 6061", "mid": "aluminium-6061", "where": "The 3U and 6U frames, and one of two options for the 1U and 1.5U. The 3U frame is hard anodised." }, { "name": "Aluminium alloy 7075", "mid": "aluminium-7075", "where": "The other option for the 1U and 1.5U frames. The temper is not given." }, { "name": "Brass", "mid": "brass", "where": "The mounting rods in the 3U kit, chosen for efficient heat conduction." }, { "name": "Stainless steel 304", "mid": "stainless-304", "where": "The screws and nuts that hold the 3U structure together." } ], "connections": "On its page for the larger 8U frame, EnduroSat states full compliance with PC/104 and the CubeSat standard. The one flight tied to the 3U frame is 3UCubed. The paper says its team chose the frame at the design stage and fitted EnduroSat solar panels with Azur Space cells. 3UCubed launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg on 28 November 2025.", "unknown": "EnduroSat's own pages for these four sizes are no longer on its website, so the details come second-hand from NASA and a design paper. The anodising specification, fastener count, tolerances, loads, temperatures and compatible dispensers aren't published. The two sources give different masses for the 3U frame. Launch reports don't say which structure flew on 3UCubed.", "facts": [ { "label": "Sizes offered", "value": "1U, 1.5U, 3U, 6U" }, { "label": "Flight heritage", "value": "1U and 3U structures" }, { "label": "Qualification", "value": "Environmental qualification including vibration, thermal and TVAC" }, { "label": "3U size", "value": "100 x 100 x 340 mm" }, { "label": "6U size", "value": "100 x 226 x 366 mm" }, { "label": "Structures in orbit (EnduroSat's count)", "value": "590+" } ] }, "specifications": [ { "label": "Sizes offered", "value": "1U, 1.5U, 3U, 6U", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "EnduroSat provides 1U, 1.5U, 3U, 6U CubeSat structures" }, { "label": "Qualification", "value": "Environmental qualification including vibration, thermal and TVAC", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "environmental qualification including vibrational, thermal and TVAC testing" }, { "label": "Flight heritage", "value": "1U and 3U structures", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "the 1U structure" }, { "label": "3U dimensions", "value": "100 x 100 x 340 mm", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "100 x 100 x 340" }, { "label": "1U dimensions", "value": "100 x 100 x 114 mm (table also lists < 0.1 kg)", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "100 x 100 x 114" }, { "label": "1.5U dimensions", "value": "100 x 100 x 170.2 mm", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "100 x 100 x 170.2" }, { "label": "6U dimensions", "value": "100 x 226 x 366 mm", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "100 x 226 x 366" }, { "label": "1U structure mass (NASA table)", "value": "less than 0.1 kg", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "1U 100 x 100 x 114 < 0.1 Al 6061 or 7075" }, { "label": "1.5U structure mass (NASA table)", "value": "0.11 kg", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "1.5U 100 x 100 x 170.2 0.11 Al 6061 or 7075" }, { "label": "3U structure mass (NASA table)", "value": "less than 0.29 kg", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "3U 100 x 100 x 340 < 0.29 Al 6061" }, { "label": "6U structure mass (NASA table)", "value": "less than 1 kg", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "quote": "6U 100 x 226 x 366 <1 Al 6061" }, { "label": "8U structure", "value": "100 x 226.3 x 454 mm, 973 g, Aluminium 6082", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/", "quote": "973 g (including screws, kill switches, 6 mounted rings)" }, { "label": "16U structure", "value": "226.3 x 226.3 x 454 mm, 2.5 kg, Aluminium 6082", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/16u-structure/", "quote": "2.5 kg (including screws, 6 mounted rings)" }, { "label": "CubeSat structures in orbit (maker claim)", "value": "590+", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products-category/structures/", "quote": "590 + CubeSat structures in orbit" }, { "label": "Qualification of the 3U structure (paper)", "value": "vibration, shock, thermal vacuum per NASA GEVS GSFC-STD-7000", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "quote": "The structure has passed vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum qualification test per NASA GEVS GSFC-STD-7000 standard." }, { "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": [], "parts": [ { "assembly": "Primary structure (as cited by NASA State of the Art report)", "parts": [ { "part": "EnduroSat structures (all sizes)", "material": "Aluminum 6061-T651 or Al 7075", "form": "frame", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "all EnduroSat structures are made of either Aluminum 6061-T651 or Al 7075", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "profile": "aluminium-7075", "mid": "aluminium-7075" }, { "part": "1U structure", "material": "Al 6061 or 7075", "form": "frame", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "1U 100 x 100 x 114 < 0.1 Al 6061 or 7075", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "profile": "aluminium-7075", "mid": "aluminium-7075" }, { "part": "1.5U structure", "material": "Al 6061 or 7075", "form": "frame", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "1.5U 100 x 100 x 170.2 0.11 Al 6061 or 7075", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "profile": "aluminium-7075", "mid": "aluminium-7075" }, { "part": "3U structure", "material": "Al 6061", "form": "frame", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "3U 100 x 100 x 340 < 0.29 Al 6061", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "profile": "aluminium-6061", "mid": "aluminium-6061" }, { "part": "6U structure", "material": "Al 6061", "form": "frame", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "6U 100 x 226 x 366 <1 Al 6061", "source_url": "https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.soa_structures_2021.pdf", "profile": "aluminium-6061", "mid": "aluminium-6061" } ] }, { "assembly": "3U structure kit (as described in the 3UCubed paper)", "parts": [ { "part": "PC/104 base", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "comes as PC/104 base with rods, frame, mid supports, top plate, and securing hardware", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Base of the 3U structure, to which the rods and frame attach" }, { "part": "Mounting rods", "material": "Brass (alloy not stated)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "brass mounting rods for efficient heat conduction", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": null, "mid": "brass", "function": "Carry the PC/104 board stack and conduct heat" }, { "part": "Frame", "material": "Aluminium 6061, hard anodized (paper; NASA table lists Al 6061 for the 3U)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "hard anodized space- grade 6061 aluminum", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": "aluminium-6061", "mid": "aluminium-6061", "function": "Primary frame of the 3U structure, hard anodized", "specs": [ { "label": "Qualification", "value": "vibration, shock and thermal-vacuum per NASA GEVS GSFC-STD-7000", "quote": "The structure has passed vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum qualification test per NASA GEVS GSFC-STD-7000 standard.", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781" }, { "label": "Total structure mass (3U, paper)", "value": "340 g", "quote": "with a total mass of 340 g", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781" } ] }, { "part": "Mid supports", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "comes as PC/104 base with rods, frame, mid supports, top plate, and securing hardware", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Intermediate supports for the board stack" }, { "part": "Top plate", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "comes as PC/104 base with rods, frame, mid supports, top plate, and securing hardware", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Closes the +Z end of the structure" }, { "part": "Securing hardware (screws, nuts)", "material": "Stainless steel 304", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "304 stainless-steel securing hardware", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": null, "mid": "stainless-304", "function": "Fasteners that hold the structure together" }, { "part": "Separation switches", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "comes with separation switches and optional roller switches on the rails", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Deployment switches supplied with the structure" }, { "part": "Roller switches on the rails (optional)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "comes with separation switches and optional roller switches on the rails", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Optional rail-mounted switches" }, { "part": "Wide openings in the frame", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "the availability of wide openings that accommodate the 45° of unobstructed FoV required by the instrument", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Open side faces that let an instrument see 45 degrees without obstruction and make solar panel fitting easy" }, { "part": "Exploded-view drawing in the 3U datasheet", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Exploded view EnduroSat 3U Structure, from datasheet", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Shows the structure parts; used as Figure 12 of the paper" } ] }, { "assembly": "8U structure (current product page)", "parts": [ { "part": "8U frame", "material": "Aluminium 6082", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "Simple modular design for easy assembly both vertically and horizontally", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/", "profile": "aluminium-6082", "mid": "aluminium-6082", "function": "Primary frame for 8U CubeSats, assembled vertically or horizontally", "specs": [ { "label": "Dimensions", "value": "100 x 226.3 x 454 mm", "quote": "100 x 226.3 x 454 mm", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/" }, { "label": "Mass", "value": "973 g including screws, kill switches and 6 mounted rings", "quote": "973 g (including screws, kill switches, 6 mounted rings)", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/" } ] }, { "part": "Mounted rings (x6)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "973 g (including screws, kill switches, 6 mounted rings)", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Stiffening rings that are counted in the structure mass" }, { "part": "Kill switches (1 or 2; option of four)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "Four kill switches option", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Deployment (kill) switches mounted in the rail feet" }, { "part": "Screws", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "973 g (including screws, kill switches, 6 mounted rings)", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Fasteners included in the structure mass" }, { "part": "Hard-anodized pearl finish", "material": "Aluminium 6082, hard anodized (pearl finish)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "Pearl-finished & hard anodized", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/", "profile": "anodized-aluminium", "mid": "anodized-aluminium", "function": "Surface finish of the frame and rails" } ] }, { "assembly": "16U structure (current product page)", "parts": [ { "part": "16U frame", "material": "Aluminium 6082", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "226.3 x 226.3 x 454 mm", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/16u-structure/", "profile": "aluminium-6082", "mid": "aluminium-6082", "function": "Primary frame for 16U CubeSats", "specs": [ { "label": "Mass", "value": "2.5 kg including screws and 6 mounted rings", "quote": "2.5 kg (including screws, 6 mounted rings)", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/16u-structure/" }, { "label": "Finish", "value": "hard-anodized surface", "quote": "FINISH HARD-ANODIZED SURFACE", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/16u-structure/" } ] }, { "part": "Kill switches (1 or 2)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "1/2 KILL SWITCHES", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/16u-structure/", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Deployment (kill) switches" } ] }, { "assembly": "Rails and dispenser interface (CubeSat Design Specification)", "parts": [ { "part": "Rails (hard anodized, CDS interface)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "comes with separation switches and optional roller switches on the rails", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Contact surfaces that slide in the dispenser; the CDS sets width, finish and contact area (see extra specs)", "specs": [ { "label": "Compliance claim", "value": "PC104 full compliance, CubeSat Standard", "quote": "PC104 full compliance, CubeSat Standard", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/" } ] } ] }, { "assembly": "Compatible EnduroSat products", "parts": [ { "part": "Body-mounted solar panels (1U, 1.5U, 3U sizes) with triple-junction cells", "material": "Gallium arsenide (Azur Space 3G30A triple-junction cells)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "COTS solar panels from EnduroSat comprising highly efficient Azur Space 3G30A triple junction solar cells with up to 30% efficiency", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781", "profile": "gallium-arsenide", "mid": "gallium-arsenide", "function": "EnduroSat solar panels used on the 3UCubed 3U structure" }, { "part": "CubeSat Test Pod (6U to 16U)", "material": "Aluminium 6082", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: EnduroSat", "quote": "Capacity for 6U to 16U CubeSats for vibrational testing", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/cubesat-test-pod/", "profile": "aluminium-6082", "mid": "aluminium-6082", "function": "Ground vibration test fixture with optional separation springs; not a flight deployer", "specs": [ { "label": "Dimensions", "value": "144.3 x 269 x 431.7 mm", "quote": "Dimensions 144.3 x 269 x 431.7 mm", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/cubesat-test-pod/" }, { "label": "Mass", "value": "9.5 kg", "quote": "Mass 9.5 kg", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/cubesat-test-pod/" }, { "label": "Springs", "value": "optional separation springs", "quote": "Springs optional separation springs", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/cubesat-test-pod/" } ] } ] } ], "materials": [ { "id": "aluminium-7075", "name": "Al 6061 or 7075", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/aluminium-7075/" }, { "id": "aluminium-6061", "name": "Aluminium 6061, hard anodized (paper; NASA table lists Al 6061 for the 3U)", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/aluminium-6061/" }, { "id": "brass", "name": "Brass (alloy not stated)", "material_page": null }, { "id": "stainless-304", "name": "Stainless steel 304", "material_page": null }, { "id": "aluminium-6082", "name": "Aluminium 6082", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/aluminium-6082/" }, { "id": "anodized-aluminium", "name": "Aluminium 6082, hard anodized (pearl finish)", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/anodized-aluminium/" }, { "id": "gallium-arsenide", "name": "Gallium arsenide (Azur Space 3G30A triple-junction cells)", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/gallium-arsenide/" } ], "standards": [], "relations": [ { "type": "built_on", "target": "CubeSat Design Specification (Cal Poly)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Interface standard; EnduroSat claims PC104 and CubeSat Standard compliance", "quote": "PC104 full compliance, CubeSat Standard", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/" }, { "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": "launched_on", "target": "P-POD (Cal Poly), simulated by the EnduroSat CubeSat Test Pod", "target_slug": null, "note": "EnduroSat's test pod simulates a P-POD for vibration tests; no flight deployer compatibility list is published for the 1U to 6U structures", "quote": "Includes optional separation springs for realistic PPOD vibrational simulation", "source_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/cubesat-test-pod/" }, { "type": "part_of", "target": "3UCubed (UNH-led IMAP Student Collaboration 3U CubeSat)", "target_slug": null, "note": "The team chose the EnduroSat COTS 3U structure at preliminary design (2022 paper); the flight article's structure is not re-confirmed in the launch pages", "quote": "The COTS 3U structure from EnduroSat is chosen", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781" }, { "type": "launched_on", "target": "SpaceX Falcon 9, Vandenberg, 28 November 2025 (3UCubed)", "target_slug": "spacex-falcon-9", "note": "3UCubed launched 28 November 2025 at 10:19 a.m. PST from Vandenberg (UNH news)", "quote": "When the Falcon 9 rocket blasted off the day after Thanksgiving", "source_url": "https://www.unh.edu/news/tiny-satellite-built-unh-students-blasts-space" }, { "type": "supplied_by", "target": "Azur Space (3G30A triple-junction cells on EnduroSat panels)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Solar cells on the EnduroSat panels fitted to the 3UCubed structure", "quote": "Azur Space 3G30A triple junction solar cells", "source_url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2211.15781" } ], "not_published": "All data is second-hand (NASA SOA 2021, which cites EnduroSat 2017); EnduroSat's own 1U/1.5U/3U/6U pages were not retrievable (the product URLs returned the site's 404 page). No temper for 7075, no finish/anodize, no fastener material, no parts list. The NASA text gives 'either 6061-T651 or 7075' for the family but the table narrows 3U and 6U to Al 6061 without saying which applies to a given order. EnduroSat's current 8U and 16U structure pages (not this product) state 'Aluminum 6082' and a hard-anodized surface, so the maker may use different alloys for larger frames; those are not recorded as parts here. More detail: EnduroSat's own 1U, 1.5U, 3U and 6U product pages are no longer on the live site (they redirect to the structures category page, which lists only the 8U and 16U), so per-part data for the 1U to 6U sizes comes from the NASA 2021 table and the 3UCubed paper. Not published in what was read: temper of the 7075 option, anodize specification, kill-switch and separation-spring part numbers and count per size, fastener count, rail dimensions and tolerances beyond the CDS, dispenser (P-POD, NRCSD, ISIPOD, EXOpod) compatibility list, and the datasheet and CAD files (behind a form). The maker's 8U and 16U pages give Aluminum 6082 while the NASA table and the 3UCubed paper give 6061 for the smaller sizes. Satellites that flew: only 3UCubed is tied to the EnduroSat 3U structure, and only by the 2022 design paper. More detail: EnduroSat's own 1U, 1.5U, 3U and 6U product pages are no longer on the live site (they redirect to the structures category page, which lists only the 8U and 16U), so per-part data for the 1U to 6U sizes comes from the NASA 2021 table and the 3UCubed paper. Not published in what was read: temper of the 7075 option, anodize specification, kill-switch and separation-spring part numbers and count per size, fastener count, rail dimensions and tolerances beyond the CDS, dispenser (P-POD, NRCSD, ISIPOD, EXOpod) compatibility list, and the datasheet and CAD files (behind a form). The maker's 8U and 16U pages give Aluminum 6082 while the NASA table and the 3UCubed paper give 6061 for the smaller sizes. Satellites that flew: only 3UCubed is tied to the EnduroSat 3U structure, and only by the 2022 design paper.", "depth": "partial", "photos": [ { "file": "products/context/endurosat-cubesat-structures-1.jpg", "alt": "Technician in a clean-room suit holding a black EnduroSat 8U structure frame on a bench", "long": "A technician in a clean-room suit holds an EnduroSat 8U structure frame, black with small solar-panel parts behind it. This is the 8U size.", "kind": "product", "credit": "EnduroSat", "license": "Maker photo, shown with credit", "page_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/" }, { "file": "products/context/endurosat-cubesat-structures-2.jpg", "alt": "Technician assembling a black EnduroSat 8U structure frame in a clean room", "long": "A technician assembles the black 8U structure frame in a clean room, with a small CubeSat with dark panels at the left.", "kind": "product", "credit": "EnduroSat", "license": "Maker photo, shown with credit", "page_url": "https://www.endurosat.com/products/8u-structure/" }, { "file": "products/gallery/endurosat-cubesat-structures-1.jpg", "alt": "Computer render of an open-frame CubeSat from two angles, with green circuit boards, copper rings and silver rails", "kind": "generic", "credit": "Space Travel Blog / Guillaume Le Bonhomme", "license": "CC BY 4.0", "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ESTCube-2_internal_structure.jpg", "long": "Two views of a cuboid satellite on a black background, showing a silver truss-like frame around green boards, round silver tubes and orange-copper ring parts." } ], "context": { "size": [ "1U", "1.5U to 2U", "3U", "6U and larger" ] }, "licence": "Product data CC BY 4.0, cite Space Mushroom. Photos keep their own licences, given per photo.", "mcp": "https://spacemushroom.com/mcp" }