Educational Cube (E-Cube) is a compact DIY nano-satellite kit designed to teach beginners and students the fundamentals of satellite technology. Based on the CubeSat standard, the 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm platform can be assembled and programmed in a typical classroom or makerspace. After building the hardware and uploading the code, users can view live telemetry on computers, tablets or smartphones via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. By turning abstract ideas into hands-on projects, E-Cube makes learning about space systems and wireless data collection easy and practical. In 2024, it earned the Pratt & Whitney Global E-STEM Award for its impact on STEM education.
Each E-Cube kit contains an on-board computer for mission control, an electrical power system with solar panels and batteries and a mission board that manages sensors and payloads. Miniature sensors measure temperature, humidity, pressure, acceleration and magnetic field direction. The detailed user guide walks learners through more than 30 experiments covering general-purpose input/output and sensor interfacing, environmental and physics investigations, wireless data transfer, Morse code signaling and smart automation. These activities help students connect theory with real-world applications at school or home.
Assembly requires common maker tools such as a soldering iron, solder wire, pliers, a multimeter, safety goggles and gloves. Components attach securely inside an acrylic frame using double-sided tape and spacers. For those without a full toolset, a basic soldering kit is available online. Programming is done in C within the Arduino environment with code uploaded through the USB 2.0 cable. Along the way, learners build skills in electronics basics, soldering, circuit design and software development while experiencing satellite workflows.
On the technical side, E-Cube is powered by an ESP32 microcontroller with integrated Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.5 GHz Wi-Fi. A 2800 mAh Li-ion battery supports up to four hours of operation with solar recharge capability. The 1U form factor weighs 370 grams and offers a 40-pin header for input/output expansion. All parts meet space-qualified standards, ensuring durability for repeated educational use. Its mix of power management, live data transmission and a modular build makes E-Cube a reliable platform for advanced STEM exploration. Visit Kick Starter Page or Official Product Page for source code and more Information.
