3U CubeSat Structure

A parametric OpenSCAD mechanical structure for a 3U CubeSat, organized around continuous rails, internal plates and accessible electronics interfaces.

A parametric OpenSCAD model of a 3U CubeSat primary structure, intended to be reviewed against the CDS Rev. 14.1 envelope before any manufacturing or integration work begins.

Documented design

01Project brief

Scope and current stage.

This page reports the documented state of the work. It does not represent qualification, manufacturing release, or operational deployment unless stated explicitly.

Objective: Create a CAD-ready structure aligned with the CubeSat Design Specification Rev. 14.1 envelope and deployment-rail requirements.
Development stage: CAD design · analysis pending
Technology areas: OpenSCADMechanical designCubeSat
Publication note: Further specifications are withheld until they are supported by the current engineering record.

02Notes

Background

3U CubeSat structures typically follow the geometry in the CubeSat Design Specification (CDS). This study exists to capture the envelope, rail interfaces and internal plate layout in a parametric OpenSCAD model so that downstream analysis and integration can iterate against a known baseline.

No flight build or qualification is in scope. The model is intended as a reviewable artefact for partners who need a reference structure.

03Engineering record

Documented scope

The values below describe what is currently in the parametric model. Anything not listed is treated as not yet documented.

Envelope

Form factor: 3U CubeSat (CDS Rev. 14.1)
External dimensions: 100 × 100 × 340.5 mm
Rail geometry: Four continuous rails, 8.5 mm high

Internal layout

Stack height: PC/104-compatible (research-configurable)
Internal plates: Top, mid, bottom — parametric
Access panels: Removable for electronics integration

Tooling

Modelling tool: OpenSCAD (parametric source)
Export formats: STL available on request
Configuration: Variables for rail, plate and stack height

04Notes

What is not in scope

Materials selection, deployment switch layout, harnessing, thermal analysis and qualification testing are explicitly outside the current stage. These will be added only after a partner engagement defines them.

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3U CubeSat Structure

A parametric OpenSCAD mechanical structure for a 3U CubeSat, organized around continuous rails, internal plates and accessible electronics interfaces.

A parametric OpenSCAD model of a 3U CubeSat primary structure, intended to be reviewed against the CDS Rev. 14.1 envelope before any manufacturing or integration work begins.