Theia Space has developed ESAT (Educational Satellite), a CubeSat-based educational platform designed to provide hands-on training in space engineering for students, universities, research institutions, and aerospace organizations. Built as a realistic satellite simulator, ESAT enables users to gain practical experience in satellite design, integration, testing, validation, and operations while supporting STEM education, university engineering programs, and professional training. Designed with an expandable architecture, the platform allows users to integrate and test their own hardware and software developments using open interfaces and open-source software.
Based on the 10 × 10 × 10 cm CubeSat standard and weighing less than 1 kg, ESAT incorporates the core spacecraft subsystems found in operational satellites, including Electrical Power, Command and Data Handling (C&DH), Attitude Determination and Control (ADCS), Communications, and Structure. The satellite features a Wi-Fi communication system that connects directly to a PC through the ESAT Graphical User Interface (GUI), enabling users to monitor telemetry, issue telecommands, and operate the satellite in real time. Users can work with each subsystem independently or operate the fully integrated satellite to simulate complete spacecraft missions.
The Electrical Power Subsystem includes two solar panels, a main board with a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) regulator and programmable processor, a secondary board with two batteries and a Direct Energy Transfer (DET) regulator, providing more than three hours of autonomous operation. Additional features include dual power switches and integrated current, voltage, and temperature sensors that allow users to study realistic spacecraft power generation, storage, and distribution during mission operations.
For spacecraft attitude control training, ESAT incorporates an Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem (ADCS) equipped with a magnetometer, two magnetorquers, a momentum wheel with tachometer, and four sun sensors. The platform allows users to develop, implement, and validate different attitude control algorithms, providing practical experience with spacecraft orientation, stabilization, and control strategies used in real CubeSat missions. The Command and Data Handling subsystem features a programmable processor, microSD memory storage, and USB debugging capabilities to support onboard software development and mission data management.
ESAT also includes a versatile Communications Subsystem supporting full-duplex telemetry and telecommand, with OOK, binary FSK, quaternary FSK, and GFSK modulation schemes. The radio is designed for operation in the 435–525 MHz band, while supporting transmissions across the 0.14–1 GHz frequency range, and features detachable antennas for standalone or integrated operation. Complementing the satellite is a comprehensive Ground Support Equipment (GSE) package comprising a magnetic field simulator, sun simulator, turntable, assembly tools, and a thermal payload with a controllable heater, thermistor, and programmable LEDs, enabling users to recreate realistic orbital conditions and validate satellite performance in a laboratory environment.
By combining a realistic CubeSat architecture, open-source development environment, configurable spacecraft subsystems, and comprehensive ground support equipment, ESAT provides a complete educational platform for practical satellite engineering. The system enables users to design, build, test, operate, and extend spacecraft technologies in a controlled environment, helping bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world satellite mission development.
Click here to learn more about Theia Space's ESAT.
About Theia Space
Theia Space is an initiative of the Spanish User Support and Operations Centre (E-USOC) at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). The organization develops nanosatellite missions, educational satellite platforms, spacecraft subsystems, and advanced attitude and orbit control technologies. Its flagship ESAT platform is used by universities, research institutions, and organizations worldwide to provide practical training in satellite engineering and spacecraft operations.
