WASKIRI SAT
Design and development of a CubeSat nanosatellite platform for space technology research and in-orbit validation.
WaskiriSat is a CubeSat nanosatellite project developed by the Mechatronics Engineering program of the Universidad Católica Boliviana (UCB). The mission aims to design, build, and operate a compact satellite platform capable of performing Earth observation and space technology validation tasks. The project was selected in an international competition organized with support from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the German launch service provider Exolaunch, earning the opportunity to place the satellite aboard an orbital launch vehicle.
The nanosatellite follows the CubeSat standard architecture, which typically consists of a compact cube structure of approximately 10 × 10 × 10 cm and a mass between 1 and 10 kg. Within this small platform, multiple subsystems are integrated, including onboard computing, power management, communications, and payload systems. The WaskiriSat mission seeks to test a satellite control system developed locally in Bolivia, implement artificial intelligence techniques for processing images from space, and generate Earth observation data useful for monitoring natural disasters and environmental conditions.
Beyond its technical objectives, the project represents a significant milestone for the Bolivian aerospace ecosystem. Unlike previous national satellites that were developed externally, WaskiriSat is intended to be designed, built, tested, and operated primarily by Bolivian students and researchers. The initiative therefore aims not only to validate nanosatellite technologies but also to promote scientific research, aerospace engineering education, and the participation of young engineers in space technology development within the country.
Structural Development of the WaskiriSat CubeSat Platform
Structural Design and Mechanical Architecture
The WaskiriSat nanosatellite incorporates a structural framework designed according to the CubeSat standard, providing a compact and robust platform capable of withstanding the extreme mechanical conditions experienced during launch and orbital deployment. The structural subsystem focuses on the mechanical integrity of the satellite, ensuring that all internal components—including electronic boards, communication modules, and payload systems—remain securely integrated within the nanosatellite frame. Special attention is given to dimensional constraints, mass distribution, and structural rigidity to guarantee compatibility with standardized CubeSat deployers and launch interfaces.
Launch Load Resistance and Structural Validation
A key aspect of the structural development involves ensuring the satellite's capability to endure launch-induced stresses such as vibration, acceleration, and shock loads generated during rocket ascent and deployment. Structural simulations and mechanical analyses are conducted to evaluate stress distribution, deformation limits, and resonance behavior within the nanosatellite frame. These evaluations aim to confirm that the structural design maintains sufficient safety margins while preserving the low-mass requirements typical of nanosatellite missions.
Mechanical Integration of Satellite Subsystems
The structural architecture also serves as the integration platform for all satellite subsystems. Internal mounting interfaces and support brackets are designed to securely hold avionics boards, power systems, communication hardware, and payload instruments. This integration strategy prioritizes modularity, allowing efficient assembly, maintenance, and future upgrades of internal components while maintaining structural stability and vibration tolerance during launch conditions.
CubeSat Standard Compliance and Deployment Compatibility
The WaskiriSat structure follows the internationally recognized CubeSat design specifications, which define the satellite’s geometric envelope, mounting rails, and interface compatibility with deployer mechanisms used in launch vehicles. Compliance with these standards ensures that the satellite can be safely integrated into orbital launch systems while minimizing mechanical interference and guaranteeing reliable deployment once in orbit.
Structural Contribution to the Bolivian Nanosatellite Program
The structural development of WaskiriSat represents a significant milestone for Bolivia’s emerging aerospace engineering capabilities. By designing and validating the mechanical architecture locally, the project contributes to the development of national expertise in satellite engineering, structural analysis, and space systems integration. This effort supports the broader objective of enabling Bolivian researchers and students to participate directly in the design, construction, and operation of space technologies.