Case Study: Binar Space Program achieves faster, more compact CubeSat design with Altium Designer

Advancing the Australian Space Sector with Curtin University and Altium

Binar Space Program, working with Curtin University, set out to build a smaller, more powerful CubeSat than typical miniature satellites and faced the challenge of fitting all required systems onto a single compact PCB for a 1U design. Using Altium Designer, the team developed Binar-1, a highly constrained nanosatellite that pushed beyond their earlier 2U–3U concepts.

Altium helped the Binar Space Program streamline PCB design with impedance and length matching, Design Rule Check, view configuration tools, and Manufacturer Part Search with premade footprints. The result was a faster, more productive design process and a successful launch of Binar-1, the first Western Australia-designed spacecraft to reach orbit, delivering a lighter, more cost-effective and powerful CubeSat.

Binar Space Program

Jacob Cook

Engineer