From a Soda Can to the Sky: Building AERONIMBUS, an Environmental CanSat
by Alex-08 in Circuits > Arduino
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From a Soda Can to the Sky: Building AERONIMBUS, an Environmental CanSat
What does a better future look like?
For us, it is a future where advanced technology is not limited to large institutions, governments, or space agencies, but is accessible to students, schools, and local communities. It is a future where people can better understand their environment, collect meaningful data, and develop the skills needed to solve real-world challenges.
AERONIMBUS was created with that vision in mind.
AERONIMBUS is a fully functional CanSat: an environmental monitoring satellite integrated into the volume of a standard soda can. Designed, manufactured, programmed, and tested by students, it combines aerospace engineering, environmental science, digital fabrication, wireless communications, and data analysis into a single low-cost platform.
The project addresses two important opportunities. First, environmental monitoring is becoming increasingly important as communities face challenges related to climate change, air quality, and changing atmospheric conditions. Second, access to advanced technological education remains limited for many young people despite the growing demand for scientific and engineering skills.
To address these challenges, AERONIMBUS demonstrates how affordable, student-built technology can collect valuable environmental data while making space engineering more accessible. During flight, the system measures atmospheric pressure, temperature, ultraviolet radiation, air quality, motion, and GPS position, transmitting data in real time to a ground station for analysis and visualization.
The tangible result is a complete working prototype that includes custom electronics, a 3D-printed structure designed in Autodesk Fusion, a parachute recovery system, wireless telemetry, onboard data storage, and environmental sensing capabilities. By fitting all of these technologies inside a soda-can-sized satellite, AERONIMBUS shows how powerful tools can be made smaller, cheaper, and more accessible.
Beyond the prototype itself, the project represents a broader idea: empowering the next generation to become creators of technology rather than simply users of it. By sharing the complete design and development process, we hope to inspire other students, makers, and educators to build their own systems, explore environmental data, and discover how engineering can be used to create positive change.
A better world needs informed communities, accessible technology, and future innovators. AERONIMBUS is our contribution toward that future.
Supplies
Electronics
- LILYGO T3 V1.6.1 ESP32 LoRa development board
- BMP280 pressure and temperature sensor
- LTR390 UV sensor
- SGP30 air quality sensor
- GPS module
- MPU6050 IMU (accelerometer and gyroscope)
- Active buzzer
- Lithium battery
- Custom PCB
- Connecting wires and headers
Manufacturing
- 3D printer
- PLA filament
- CAD software (Autodesk Fusion)
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Wire cutters
- Screwdrivers
Recovery System
- Ripstop nylon fabric
- Kevlar thread
- Parachute cords (8 suspension lines)
- Sewing tools
Ground Station
- LoRa receiver
- Computer
- Data visualization software
Software
- Arduino IDE
- Custom telemetry software
- Data logging software
- GPS visualization tools
Optional Tools
- Multimeter
- Hot glue gun
- Heat shrink tubing
- Power bank for field testing
Defining the Mission
Before designing any electronics, writing any code, or manufacturing any components, we started with a simple question:
How can we make advanced space technology more accessible while helping people better understand their environment?
Many of today's global challenges require accurate environmental data and a new generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators capable of solving complex problems. However, aerospace technology is often perceived as expensive, inaccessible, and reserved for large organizations.
Our goal was to demonstrate that this does not have to be the case.
The mission of AERONIMBUS was to develop a fully functional CanSat capable of collecting and transmitting environmental data while fitting inside the volume of a standard soda can. By combining affordable components, digital fabrication, and open engineering principles, we wanted to create a project that could inspire students and show that meaningful technological innovation can begin in a classroom.
To achieve this objective, we defined two main missions:
Primary Mission
Measure atmospheric pressure and temperature during flight and transmit the data in real time to a ground station.
This mission reproduces one of the most fundamental tasks performed by real satellites and atmospheric research platforms: collecting reliable environmental information.
Secondary Mission
Expand environmental monitoring capabilities by integrating additional sensors and systems, including:
- Ultraviolet radiation measurement
- Air quality monitoring
- GPS positioning
- Motion and orientation sensing
- Real-time telemetry
- Onboard data storage
- Recovery assistance through GPS tracking and a buzzer
These systems transform the CanSat from a simple educational experiment into a compact environmental monitoring platform.
Why This Matters
AERONIMBUS demonstrates that sophisticated engineering projects can be built using accessible tools and affordable technologies. The project not only gathers useful environmental information but also helps students develop practical skills in electronics, programming, design, manufacturing, testing, and problem-solving.
In our vision of a better future, technologies that were once available only to space agencies become educational tools that inspire curiosity, encourage innovation, and help communities better understand the world around them.
With the mission clearly defined, the next step was selecting the hardware needed to bring AERONIMBUS to life.
Step 2: Choosing the Hardware
Once the mission objectives were defined, the next challenge was selecting the hardware capable of collecting, storing, and transmitting environmental data while remaining within the strict size and weight limitations of a CanSat.
Every component had to serve a specific purpose and contribute to the overall mission.
Main Controller and Communication System
At the heart of AERONIMBUS is a LILYGO T3 V1.6.1 development board based on the ESP32 microcontroller.
This board was selected because it combines processing power, wireless communication capabilities, and low energy consumption in a compact format. Most importantly, it integrates LoRa communication, allowing long-range telemetry transmission between the CanSat and the ground station.
This makes it possible to monitor the mission in real time and receive environmental data throughout the flight.
Environmental Sensors
To study atmospheric conditions, several sensors were integrated into the system:
BMP280
The BMP280 measures atmospheric pressure and temperature.
These measurements are essential for the primary mission and allow altitude estimation throughout the flight.
LTR390 UV Sensor
The LTR390 measures ultraviolet radiation levels.
Monitoring UV exposure provides additional environmental information and demonstrates how compact satellites can collect multiple types of scientific data simultaneously.
SGP30 Air Quality Sensor
The SGP30 measures air quality indicators.
This sensor expands the environmental monitoring capabilities of the CanSat and allows the collection of information related to atmospheric conditions.
Position and Motion Tracking
GPS Module
The GPS module provides real-time position data.
Besides recording the flight trajectory, it also plays a critical role in recovering the CanSat after landing.
MPU6050
The MPU6050 combines an accelerometer and a gyroscope.
This sensor allows us to monitor movement, orientation, and dynamic behavior during descent.
Recovery System Electronics
To simplify recovery operations after landing, an active buzzer was included.
Once the mission is completed, the buzzer helps locate the CanSat quickly, especially when landing in tall vegetation or difficult terrain.
Power and Data Storage
A rechargeable lithium battery powers all onboard systems.
In addition to real-time transmission, flight data is stored locally to ensure that no information is lost, even if communication is temporarily interrupted.
System Integration
Individually, these components perform simple tasks.
Together, they create a compact environmental monitoring platform capable of sensing, processing, storing, and transmitting information while operating within the dimensions of a standard soda can.
With the hardware selected, the next step was designing a custom PCB to connect all subsystems into a reliable and compact architecture.
Designing the Custom PCB
As the number of sensors and subsystems increased, wiring everything together with jumper cables quickly became impractical.
To improve reliability, simplify assembly, and reduce the risk of connection failures during flight, we decided to design a custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB) specifically for AERONIMBUS.
Why Design a Custom PCB?
A CanSat experiences vibrations, shocks during launch, and movement throughout its descent. Loose connections can lead to data loss or even complete mission failure.
A custom PCB offers several advantages:
- More reliable electrical connections
- Reduced wiring complexity
- Easier assembly and maintenance
- Better use of the limited internal space
- Improved overall robustness
Most importantly, it transforms a collection of individual components into an integrated engineering system.
First Design Iteration
We designed our first PCB using Fritzing.
At this stage, the system was divided into two separate modules. This approach allowed us to organize the electronics more easily while we were still developing and testing the different subsystems.
To reduce costs and gain hands-on manufacturing experience, we produced the first prototype ourselves using a CNC milling machine.
Although the board was successfully manufactured, several electrical connections did not perform as expected. Some tracks were unreliable and troubleshooting became increasingly difficult as more sensors were integrated into the system.
While the prototype did not fully meet our requirements, it provided valuable lessons about PCB design, manufacturing tolerances, and system integration.
Redesigning the Board
After analyzing the issues found in the first prototype, we decided to redesign the electronics architecture.
Instead of maintaining two independent modules, we consolidated all subsystems into a single PCB. This significantly simplified assembly, reduced wiring, improved reliability, and made better use of the limited space available inside the CanSat.
The new design was again developed in Fritzing, but with a much greater focus on integration, accessibility, and robustness.
Professional Manufacturing
To ensure higher manufacturing quality and greater reliability, the final PCB was produced by a professional PCB fabrication company.
The professionally manufactured board offered:
- Higher precision traces
- Better electrical reliability
- Improved durability
- Cleaner assembly
- Reduced risk of failure during flight
Once received, the PCB was assembled by soldering all connectors and components before being subjected to extensive testing.
Final Result
The final PCB became the backbone of AERONIMBUS, integrating all sensors, communication systems, power distribution, and recovery electronics into a single compact platform.
The transition from an experimental two-board prototype to a fully integrated professionally manufactured PCB was one of the most important engineering improvements of the entire project and demonstrated the value of iterative design and continuous testing.
With the electronics architecture complete, the next challenge was designing the physical structure that would house and protect all components inside the CanSat.
Designing the CanSat Structure in Autodesk Fusion
Before manufacturing any physical parts, we needed a digital model capable of housing all the electronics while respecting the strict size constraints of a CanSat. The structure had to be lightweight, compact, easy to assemble, and robust enough to withstand launch and landing conditions.
Like many engineering projects, the design evolved through several stages. We began with a simple proof of concept in Tinkercad and later transitioned to Autodesk Fusion as the project became more complex and required greater precision.
First Design Iteration: Tinkercad
The first structural design of AERONIMBUS was created using Tinkercad.
At the beginning of the project, our primary objective was to quickly validate the concept and determine whether all the required components could fit inside the limited volume of a CanSat. Tinkercad provided a simple and accessible environment for creating the initial design and testing different internal layouts.
This first model allowed us to:
- Estimate the available internal space
- Define the general structure
- Identify potential assembly challenges
- Validate the overall concept
Although functional, the design became increasingly difficult to modify as new sensors, the custom PCB, and additional mission requirements were incorporated.
Transition to Autodesk Fusion
As the project evolved, we migrated the entire design to Autodesk Fusion.
Fusion provided a much more powerful engineering environment, allowing us to create a more precise and professional design while managing the growing complexity of the project.
Using Fusion, we were able to:
- Model components with greater accuracy
- Optimize the internal layout
- Improve structural reliability
- Evaluate clearances and tolerances
- Refine the assembly process
- Create a more manufacturable design
The transition from Tinkercad to Fusion marked an important step in the development of AERONIMBUS, transforming an early proof of concept into a fully engineered aerospace system.
Iterative Development
Once the project was moved to Fusion, the design continued to evolve through multiple iterations.
As the electronics architecture changed and the custom PCB was redesigned, the internal arrangement of components had to be adjusted several times. Every revision focused on improving accessibility, reducing unused space, simplifying assembly, and ensuring that all systems could operate reliably inside the CanSat.
This iterative design process was essential for achieving the final compact and robust structure used during the mission.
3D Printing the Structure
With the final design completed in Autodesk Fusion, it was time to transform the digital model into a physical structure.
3D printing played a key role in the development of AERONIMBUS. It allowed us to rapidly manufacture prototypes, test different configurations, and make improvements throughout the design process without the need for expensive manufacturing methods.
Why 3D Printing?
The CanSat structure had to satisfy several requirements simultaneously:
- Fit within the competition dimensions
- Remain lightweight
- Protect the internal electronics
- Allow easy assembly and maintenance
- Support the parachute recovery system
3D printing provided the flexibility needed to quickly iterate and refine the design while keeping costs low.
Manufacturing the Parts
The final components were printed in PLA.
Before printing the final version, several test prints were produced to verify dimensions, tolerances, and component fit. These prototypes helped identify small issues that would have been difficult to detect using only the digital model.
Particular attention was given to:
- PCB mounting points
- Sensor positioning
- Battery placement
- Cable routing
- Structural strength
Minor adjustments were made between iterations until all components could be assembled reliably inside the structure.
Testing and Validation
Once the printed parts were completed, the electronics were temporarily installed to verify the design.
This validation stage confirmed:
- Correct component placement
- Sufficient internal clearance
- Accessibility for assembly
- Proper sensor exposure
- Secure mounting of critical systems
The ability to quickly print revised versions allowed us to continuously improve the design and solve problems before the final integration phase.
Final Printed Structure
The final printed structure successfully housed all mission systems within the limited CanSat volume.
The combination of Autodesk Fusion and additive manufacturing enabled us to move rapidly from concept to prototype and from prototype to a flight-ready platform.
With the structure completed, the next step was integrating all electronic systems and assembling the final AERONIMBUS prototype.
Communicating With the Ground Station
Building a CanSat is exciting, but collecting data is only half the challenge. We also needed a way to receive that information while the CanSat was in the air.
To achieve this, we used LoRa communication through the LILYGO T3 board.
Why LoRa?
When a CanSat is descending from hundreds of meters above the ground, maintaining a reliable connection can be difficult. We needed a system that could transmit data over long distances without consuming too much power.
LoRa turned out to be a great solution. It provides long-range communication while remaining efficient and lightweight, making it perfect for a project like ours.
Sending Data in Real Time
During the flight, AERONIMBUS continuously gathers information from all of its sensors:
- Temperature
- Atmospheric pressure
- UV radiation
- Air quality
- GPS position
- Acceleration and orientation
Instead of storing everything and checking it later, we wanted to see the data live.
The onboard ESP32 collects the sensor readings, packages them into telemetry packets, and sends them to the ground station using LoRa. This allowed us to monitor the mission in real time and immediately verify that every system was working correctly.
Making Transmission More Efficient
One challenge we encountered was the amount of information we wanted to send.
With several sensors generating data simultaneously, transmitting everything efficiently became important. We experimented with different ways of organizing and encoding the telemetry packets to reduce their size while keeping all the important information.
This process taught us a lot about how real aerospace systems manage limited communication bandwidth.
Learning About Secure Communications
As an additional experiment, we explored message encryption.
We implemented a simple Vigenère cipher to better understand the principles behind secure communication systems. Although real satellites use much more advanced encryption methods, this was an interesting way to learn how information can be protected during transmission.
Tracking the CanSat
The communication system became especially useful after landing.
By transmitting GPS coordinates throughout the mission, we could track the position of the CanSat and quickly locate it once it reached the ground. Combined with the onboard buzzer, this made recovery much easier.
Seeing live environmental data arrive from a satellite the size of a soda can was one of the most rewarding moments of the entire project. It transformed AERONIMBUS from a simple sensor platform into a fully connected environmental monitoring system.
Programming the CanSat
Once the hardware was assembled, it was time to bring AERONIMBUS to life.
The electronics provided the sensors and communication systems, but without software they were simply individual components. The objective of the programming stage was to transform all those separate elements into a single system capable of collecting, processing, storing, and transmitting environmental data.
Bringing Everything Together
One of the biggest challenges was integrating all the sensors into a single program.
Each sensor operates differently and produces its own type of data. The software had to continuously read information from the BMP280, LTR390, SGP30, GPS module, and MPU6050 while also managing communication and data storage.
The result was a program capable of coordinating all subsystems simultaneously.
Collecting Environmental Data
During operation, the software continuously gathers information such as:
- Atmospheric pressure
- Temperature
- UV radiation
- Air quality
- GPS coordinates
- Acceleration and orientation
These measurements are processed and prepared for transmission to the ground station.
Real-Time Telemetry
One of the most important functions of the software is sending telemetry data through LoRa.
The ESP32 packages sensor readings into data packets and transmits them to the ground station throughout the mission. This allows live monitoring of the CanSat's status and environmental conditions during flight.
Seeing real-time data appear on the ground station was one of the most satisfying moments of the entire project.
Data Storage and Recovery
Wireless communication is never perfect, especially during a flight mission.
To prevent information from being lost, the software also stores data locally. This means that even if some telemetry packets are not received by the ground station, the measurements can still be recovered and analyzed after the mission.
This redundancy significantly increased the reliability of the project.
Experimenting With Encryption
As an additional learning exercise, we explored basic encryption techniques.
We implemented a Vigenère cipher to understand the principles behind secure communications and how information can be protected during transmission.
Although modern aerospace systems use much more sophisticated methods, this experiment helped us learn about an important aspect of communication systems.
Learning Through Debugging
Like any engineering project, the software did not work perfectly from the beginning.
Throughout development we encountered communication errors, sensor integration issues, and unexpected bugs. Solving these problems required extensive testing, troubleshooting, and continuous improvements.
In fact, programming was one of the most challenging parts of the entire project, but it was also one of the most rewarding. Every successful test brought us one step closer to a fully functional CanSat.
By the end of the project, the software had become the brain of AERONIMBUS, coordinating every subsystem and turning sensor readings into meaningful environmental data.
Final Assembly and Integration
At this stage, all the major subsystems had been developed independently. The sensors were working, the PCB had been manufactured, the software was running, and the structure had been printed.
The final challenge was bringing everything together into a single flight-ready CanSat.
Installing the Electronics
The first step was mounting the custom PCB inside the printed structure.
Because the available space was extremely limited, every component had to be positioned carefully. The PCB acted as the central hub, connecting all sensors, communication systems, power lines, and recovery hardware.
Special attention was given to cable management in order to keep the interior organized and simplify maintenance.
Integrating the Sensors
Each sensor had specific requirements regarding placement and accessibility.
The environmental sensors needed sufficient exposure to the surrounding air, while the GPS module required a position that would maximize signal reception.
Throughout assembly, we continuously checked that each sensor remained accessible and operational.
Power System Installation
The battery was one of the largest components inside the CanSat.
Its position had to be carefully selected to ensure a balanced internal layout while maintaining easy access for charging, replacement, and testing.
Battery mounting was one of the areas we identified for future improvement, as securing it reliably within the limited space proved more challenging than expected.
Functional Testing
After assembly, we performed a series of tests to verify that all subsystems worked together correctly.
These tests included:
- Sensor validation
- GPS acquisition
- LoRa communication
- Data storage verification
- Buzzer activation
- Power consumption checks
Integration testing often revealed issues that had not appeared when subsystems were tested individually, making this phase essential before flight operations.
Preparing for Launch
Once all systems had been verified, AERONIMBUS was ready for mission deployment.
For the first time, the project existed not as individual parts, but as a complete environmental monitoring satellite capable of collecting, storing, and transmitting data while fitting inside the volume of a standard soda can.
Seeing months of design, manufacturing, programming, and testing come together in a single working system was one of the most rewarding moments of the project.
With the CanSat fully assembled, the next step was designing and testing the parachute recovery system that would allow it to return safely to the ground.
Designing the Parachute Recovery System
Collecting environmental data is important, but recovering the CanSat after landing is just as essential.
Without a reliable recovery system, valuable hardware and mission data could easily be lost. For this reason, designing an effective parachute became a key part of the project.
Defining the Requirements
The parachute had to satisfy several objectives:
- Slow the descent rate
- Protect the electronics during landing
- Ensure a stable descent
- Be lightweight and compact
- Fit inside the limited CanSat volume
Finding the right balance between size, weight, and performance required both calculations and testing.
Selecting the Materials
To achieve these goals, we chose:
Canopy
- Diameter: 39 cm
- Material: Ripstop nylon
Ripstop nylon is commonly used in parachutes because it is lightweight, durable, and resistant to tearing.
Suspension Lines
- Quantity: 8 lines
- Length: 47 cm each
- Material: Kevlar thread
Kevlar was selected because of its high strength and low weight, providing reliable support during deployment and descent.
Building the Parachute
The canopy was cut and assembled to create a compact parachute capable of deploying quickly after release.
The suspension lines were attached evenly around the canopy to distribute forces symmetrically and promote a stable descent.
Careful attention was paid to line lengths, attachment points, and packing methods to reduce the risk of tangling.
Testing and Improvements
Before the final mission, several deployment tests were performed.
These tests helped us evaluate:
- Descent stability
- Deployment reliability
- Landing speed
- Structural resistance
Like many parts of the project, the parachute design evolved through testing and small adjustments until we achieved a configuration that met our requirements.
Safe Recovery
During the mission, the parachute successfully reduced the descent speed and protected the onboard electronics during landing.
Combined with the GPS module and the onboard buzzer, the recovery system allowed us to locate and retrieve AERONIMBUS efficiently after touchdown.
Although small in size, the parachute played a critical role in the success of the entire mission. Without it, all the work invested in the electronics, software, and environmental monitoring systems could have been lost in a single landing.
Building the Ground Station Software
Receiving telemetry data was only part of the challenge. We also needed a way to process, visualize, and store the information transmitted by AERONIMBUS during flight.
To achieve this, we developed a custom ground station application in Python.
Why Build a Ground Station?
During the mission, the CanSat continuously transmits environmental measurements through LoRa.
Without dedicated software, the received data would simply appear as raw packets, making it difficult to monitor the mission or interpret the information in real time.
The goal of the ground station was to transform incoming telemetry into useful and easy-to-understand information.
Receiving Telemetry Data
The ground station receives the packets transmitted by the onboard LoRa system.
Each packet contains information gathered from multiple sensors, including:
- Atmospheric pressure
- Temperature
- UV radiation
- Air quality measurements
- GPS coordinates
- Motion data
The software decodes these packets and converts them into meaningful values that can be displayed and stored.
Developing the Software in Python
Python was chosen because it provides a powerful and flexible environment for data processing and visualization.
The program was designed to:
- Receive incoming telemetry
- Decode sensor information
- Display measurements in real time
- Store mission data for later analysis
- Monitor communication status
This allowed us to follow the mission as it happened and immediately verify that all onboard systems were functioning correctly.
Real-Time Visualization
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was watching live data arrive from the CanSat.
As the satellite descended, the ground station continuously updated with new measurements, allowing us to observe environmental conditions throughout the mission.
Instead of waiting until recovery, we could see the mission unfolding in real time.
Data Storage and Analysis
The software also recorded incoming telemetry for later analysis.
This provided a second copy of the mission data in addition to the information stored onboard the CanSat, increasing reliability and simplifying post-flight analysis.
After recovery, the collected datasets could be compared and used to evaluate the performance of both the sensors and the communication system.
Completing the System
The ground station transformed AERONIMBUS from a standalone satellite into a complete environmental monitoring platform.
By combining onboard sensing, LoRa communication, and real-time visualization, we created a system capable of collecting, transmitting, displaying, and analyzing environmental data from beginning to end.
Flight Day and Mission Execution
After months of designing, manufacturing, programming, testing, and troubleshooting, AERONIMBUS was finally ready for its most important challenge: flight.
This was the moment when every subsystem would be tested under real conditions. The mission would determine whether our CanSat could successfully collect, transmit, store, and recover environmental data while descending safely back to Earth.
Pre-Launch Checks
Before launch, we carefully verified all critical systems:
- Battery charge level
- Sensor operation
- LoRa communication
- GPS signal acquisition
- Data logging
- Buzzer functionality
- Parachute installation
These checks were essential to ensure the mission started with all systems operating correctly.
Launch
Once installed in the launch vehicle, AERONIMBUS began its journey.
Although we had performed numerous ground tests, nothing could fully replicate the excitement of seeing the CanSat leave the ground for the first time. At that moment, months of work were placed in the hands of our engineering decisions.
Data Collection During Descent
As the CanSat descended under its parachute, it continuously collected environmental data.
The onboard sensors measured:
- Atmospheric pressure
- Temperature
- UV radiation
- Air quality
- Position
- Motion and orientation
At the same time, telemetry packets were transmitted to the ground station using LoRa, allowing us to monitor the mission in real time.
Watching live data arrive from a satellite we had designed and built ourselves was one of the most rewarding experiences of the entire project.
Tracking the CanSat
Throughout the mission, GPS data provided the position of the CanSat.
This information allowed us to follow the descent and estimate the landing area. The combination of GPS tracking and real-time telemetry significantly simplified the recovery process.
Recovery
After landing, the recovery team used the transmitted GPS coordinates to locate AERONIMBUS.
The onboard buzzer provided an additional aid, helping us find the CanSat quickly once we arrived near the landing site.
Recovering the vehicle successfully meant that all onboard data could be downloaded and compared with the telemetry received during flight.
Mission Success
The flight demonstrated that the integration of electronics, software, communications, manufacturing, and recovery systems had been successful.
More importantly, it showed that a team of students could design and build a compact environmental monitoring platform capable of performing a real aerospace mission.
With the CanSat safely recovered, the final step was analyzing the data collected during the flight and evaluating the results of the mission.
Conclusion: Building a Better Future, One CanSat at a Time
AERONIMBUS began as an ambitious engineering challenge: build a fully functional environmental monitoring satellite within the volume of a soda can. What started as an idea gradually evolved into a complete system involving electronics, programming, wireless communications, PCB design, 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, environmental sensing, and data analysis.
The project successfully collected, transmitted, visualized, and stored environmental data while demonstrating the reliability of its communication and recovery systems. More importantly, it proved that advanced aerospace technology can be developed using accessible tools, affordable components, and the creativity of a motivated student team.
Throughout the project, we encountered numerous challenges. We redesigned our PCB after the first prototype failed, migrated our structural design from Tinkercad to Autodesk Fusion as the project became more complex, solved communication and programming issues, and continuously improved the system through testing and iteration. Each obstacle became an opportunity to learn and improve.
However, the most valuable outcome of AERONIMBUS is not the hardware itself.
In a world facing environmental challenges and rapid technological change, we believe that empowering young people with practical engineering skills is more important than ever. Projects like AERONIMBUS make aerospace technology more accessible, encourage curiosity, and show students that they can become creators of technology rather than simply users of it.
The same principles used in this CanSat—environmental monitoring, real-time data collection, digital manufacturing, and open innovation—can help future communities better understand and care for the world around them.
Our vision of a better future is one where advanced technology is accessible, education is hands-on, and innovation is driven by people who are willing to learn, build, test, fail, improve, and try again.
AERONIMBUS is only a small satellite, but it represents a much bigger idea: that meaningful change often begins with a simple project, a curious mind, and the willingness to build something that did not exist before.
We hope this project inspires others to explore, create, and imagine new ways of using technology to make the world a little better.