Make a model CubeSat and micro:bit sun sensor

A CubeSat is a real satellite that is small enough to fit in your hands!

This activity has two parts that can be done individually or together. Students make a full-size imaginary cardboard model of a 1U CubeSat like that described in the article What is a CubeSat? Making a physical model will help students to see how tiny a 10 cm³ satellite actually is.

Students then have the option to code a micro:bit single board computer to make it become a simple version of a sun sensor used in many satellites. (The code the micro:bit uses is available as a hex code file download available below. Instructions for loading the hex code file into the MakeCode editor are in the student handout in the Word file, which is also available below.) As an extension, students can modify the code to give numerical values of the light intensity shining on the micro:bit.

The student handout has helpful images and step-by-step instructions for building the CubeSat and attaching and coding the optional micro:bit sensor. The teaching notes contain construction alternatives for younger students.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

• create a 3D model of a CubeSat
• appreciate the small size of a 1U CubeSat.

Students using micro:bit to make a simple sun sensor should be able to:

• code a micro:bit by copying the MakeCode program provided
• explain how they are modelling how a CubeSat can detect light shining on it
• modify the code to give numerical values of the light intensity shining on the micro:bit
• extend the model by suggesting ways the CubeSat can alter its position while finding which direction has the most light shining on it.

This activity is ideally done after reading the article What is a CubeSat?

Download the Word file (see link below).

Download the CubeSat template PDF file (see below).

Download the Micro:bit hex code file (see below) .