Session

Poster Session 3

Location

Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT

Abstract

Taylor University Computer Science and Engineering is building a satellite having a LEGO®-robotics-based payload.

Mission Goals

  • Have university students build a novel ELEO satellite
  • Demonstrate viability of LEGO robotics electronics in space for short-term low-altitude missions
  • Enhance space awareness by capturing the public's imagination through integral use of LEGO in an actual satellite
  • Identify partners willing to provide advice and promote this project
  • Create additional pathways for K-12 and university student participation in building satellites and satellite-related projects
  • Support other space-education organizations through a high-visibility satellite project
  • Continue space outreach efforts in the spirit of the ThinSat project
    • ThinSat was supported by Virginia Space, Twiggs Space Lab, Orbital ATK (NG), NearSpace Launch, and the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, among others.1,2.

Technology

  • NSL 1/2 U ThinSat FastBus+ for all non-payload activity
    • Removes much complexity and permits focus on payload
  • LEGO SPIKE Prime robotics control board + custom code for payload
  • Sensor types: LEGO OEM, LEGO third-party, LEGO-ignorant

Progress

  • Built working prototype "flat sat"
  • Successfully performed full-path test from earth through Iridium radio network in July, 2025
  • Final stages of creating PCB to host all payload electronics outside the LEGO robotics Spike Prime control board

2026-2027 Goals

  • Receive permission from LEGO for LEGO-SAT 0 name
  • Complete EM (Engineering Model) and FM (Flight Model)
  • Explore and establish mutually-beneficial partnerships

Document Type

Event

Additional Files
SSC26-P3-68.pdf (6542 kB)
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Aug 25th, 12:00 AM

LEGO®-Based CubeSats for Space Outreach

Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT

Taylor University Computer Science and Engineering is building a satellite having a LEGO®-robotics-based payload.

Mission Goals

  • Have university students build a novel ELEO satellite
  • Demonstrate viability of LEGO robotics electronics in space for short-term low-altitude missions
  • Enhance space awareness by capturing the public's imagination through integral use of LEGO in an actual satellite
  • Identify partners willing to provide advice and promote this project
  • Create additional pathways for K-12 and university student participation in building satellites and satellite-related projects
  • Support other space-education organizations through a high-visibility satellite project
  • Continue space outreach efforts in the spirit of the ThinSat project
    • ThinSat was supported by Virginia Space, Twiggs Space Lab, Orbital ATK (NG), NearSpace Launch, and the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, among others.1,2.

Technology

  • NSL 1/2 U ThinSat FastBus+ for all non-payload activity
    • Removes much complexity and permits focus on payload
  • LEGO SPIKE Prime robotics control board + custom code for payload
  • Sensor types: LEGO OEM, LEGO third-party, LEGO-ignorant

Progress

  • Built working prototype "flat sat"
  • Successfully performed full-path test from earth through Iridium radio network in July, 2025
  • Final stages of creating PCB to host all payload electronics outside the LEGO robotics Spike Prime control board

2026-2027 Goals

  • Receive permission from LEGO for LEGO-SAT 0 name
  • Complete EM (Engineering Model) and FM (Flight Model)
  • Explore and establish mutually-beneficial partnerships