Rapid in Space

Project Rapid

BruinSpace's flagship CubeSat development project

2U Bus | 1U Payload

130W, 28Wh 12V

Orientation Control

4 Fixed Solar Arrays

2s3p Li-ion Battery

UHF Communication

Rapid Render

RAPID-0


RAPID-0 is a 3U cubesat, currently being developed by the Project Rapid team. It will be Project Rapid’s first satellite launched into space and the predecessor to future satellites capable of carrying high-power, high-volume, pointing-requiring payloads. RAPID-0's design is based on engineering development for RAPID-1, and carries over much of the custom technology developed for its ion thruster.

Satelite Goals


RAPID-0 seeks to increase the TRL of a high-power, high-volume, pointing-capable testbed. Giving these systems flight heritage will contribute to confidence and reliability for future payloads. Significant expererimental technologies of which RAPID-0 aims to increase the TRL include:


  • Full ADCS (Attitude Determination & Control Systems) module.
  • Deployable antenna.
  • 12V high-power converter.
  • High-current battery pack.
  • Timeline



    BruinSpace has developed significantly since the creation of Project Rapid, with the goal of providing high quality enginereing experience for efficient design, prototyping, and manufacturing.

    Our lab has worked to create a full soldering station, ESD-protected storage and workbenches, lab computers, 3D-printers, spot-welder, plenty of hardware tool kits, machinery tools, and more in order to achieve our goals punctually. We've also grown organizationally, with developed standards, tools, practices, and resources for our members.

    RAPID-1 Internal PDR

    November 2023

    RAPID-1 Internal CDR

    January 2024

    RAPID-1 Internal FDR

    April 2024

    RAPID-1 hold, RAPID-0 initiation

    April 2024

    Manufactured all flatsat flight PCBs & first chassis prototype

    June 2024

    Began flatsat testing campaign

    September 2024

    NASA CSLI proposal submitted

    November 2024

    Flatsat testing campaign conclusion

    December 2024

    First flight engineering model

    March 2025

    Qualification testing campaign on engineering model

    April 2025

    Delivery-ready

    May 2025+

    Project Leadership


    Ian Lee - Project Manager

    Ian Lee
    Project Manager

    Randall Scharpf - Chief Engineer

    Randall Scharpf
    Chief Engineer

    Interested?
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