FAQ

General / Project

Build a CubeSat is an open-source initiative to make satellite technology more accessible. The project develops modular, affordable CubeSat hardware that anyone can experiment with. Learn more.

This is currently a one-person project, run by me (Manuel – hi 👋). I document my progress on YouTube and share open source designs so others can learn and contribute.

Most products are intended for ground testing and educational use, although the goal is to start manufacturing space grade hardware no earlier than 2030 with a demo light no later than 2035. Space qualification requires extensive testing. Check each product page for Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and flight heritage details.

Yes! Contributions are welcome on Codeberg. You can also join the community on Discord to discuss ideas and help improve the project.

The goal is to launch an open-source CubeSat into orbit by 2035. Along the way, affordable hardware kits will help grow a community of builders and experimenters.

Yes. All CAD, schematics, and documentation are licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) and shared on Codeberg. You are welcome to use, modify and sell them in accordance with the license.

I have been collecting documents and guides about CubeSat development on CubeSat Resources – there is also a "Getting Started" section for you to check out.

Shipping & Orders

Mostly yes, with some restrictions (e.g., batteries). Shipping availability and rates are always shown at checkout. I prefer to use Swiss Post; let me know ahead of your purchase if your region is not listed or if you need a different carrier.

Currently, Swiss Post cannot ship items over 100 g to the USA due to the political situation. Only DHL is available, which is significantly more expensive. The checkout will always show the currently available rates.

No – due to restrictions and additional costs, batteries can only be shipped within Switzerland.

Yes. VAT, customs duties, import taxes, and any carrier handling fees are due upon delivery. Please check the Shipping Policy for details.

All payments are processed securely through Shopify. Major credit cards, PayPal, and regionally available methods are supported.

Support

Support is provided on a best-effort basis, since this is a one-person project. Response times may vary.

Support is limited but provided on a best-effort basis. The community is also a valuable resource for troubleshooting and learning.

Returns & Warranty

Yes. All products include a 2-year warranty under Swiss law, except for items explicitly marked as Experimental or Prototype. These are sold as-is, without guarantees of fitness or durability. If something goes wrong, please get in touch and I’ll work with you to resolve the issue.

You can return products within 30 days if they are unused and in their original condition. Please see the Returns & Refunds page for details and instructions on how to start a return.

Products & Pricing

Development kits are planned Q1 2026, followed by educational kits intended for schools and universities in Q4 2026. Release dates are announced on the store and YouTube channel. Sign up for the newsletter to get notified.

Revisions are minor, often cosmetic, changes to a design. Previous revisions are sometimes sold at a discount alongside current ones to avoid waste and make the project more sustainable. Only a change in version number may introduce compatibility breaks – not revision numbers. Always check the compatibility notes on the product page.

Yes. To balance accessibility and sustainability, prices are adjusted by region. This makes products more affordable in areas with lower purchasing power. If you feel the pricing for your region is unfair, please reach out.

  • USA, Switzerland: +25%
  • Australia, Canada, UK: +15%
  • European Union: baseline (0%)
  • Asia Pacific: -15%
  • Rest of World: -25%

Absolutely. The kits are designed to lower the barrier for educational and research projects. Reach out if you want to discuss specific needs.

Not generally, since pricing is already set to be affordable. However, discounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are a student or hobbyist, please reach out with details about your project, team, and school.