Ardusat is the first open satellite platform that allows the general public to design and run applications, games and experiments in space, while also steering onboard cameras to take pictures on-demand. More specifically, ArduSat is designed to give ordinary people – students, teachers and individuals – the chance to conduct experiments by controlling over 25 different integrated sensors including spectrometers, magnetometers, radiation measurement devices, gyroscopes, accelerometers and thermometers.
As planned, ArduSat was successfully launched on August 4th.
The satellite’s destination? The International Space Station (ISS).
As previously discussed on Bits & Pieces, Nanosatisfi CEO Peter Platzer recently told NPR that Atmel-powered Arduino technology was key to Ardusat’s philosophy.
“I’ve really wanted to use something that everyone across the world can use, that has wide appeal to everyday people,” Platzer explained. “There really was no alternative.”
Indeed, Arduino boards are used to power a wide range of electronic designs and DIY hobbyist creations including robots, desk lamps, environmental sensors, 3D printers and now, even satellites.