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FlatSat is an outstanding satellite hardware simulator designed for educational and security research. Additionally, FlatSat is engineered as the physical hardware companion to the PwnSat course framework, allowing you to bridge the gap between theoretical space-system concepts and hands-on hardware interaction.
Developed as a community-driven project for satellite cybersecurity training, firmware prototyping, and aerospace CTFs (Capture The Flag), FlatSat provides a hands-on, un-sanitized environment for discovering, exploiting, and mitigating vulnerabilities in space systems.
FlatSat features utilize the RP2040 and LoRa communication modules' capabilities for space-themed security testing to identify and address vulnerabilities, especially on spacecraft nodes and live orbital operation scenarios. Additionally, you can use its accessible hardware array, including I2C, UART, and digital pins, to write, deploy, and benchmark your own telemetry collection, flight logic, or external modules.
FlatSat has a preloaded vulnerable firmware that includes features that mimic real-world spacecraft systems, offering a secure playground to analyze binary exploitation and reverse engineering vectors. However, you can build your own custom firmware or payload injection routines directly on the board.
Compatible with ISM band frequencies (typically 433 MHz or 915 MHz, depending on your region), reading and fuzzing the RF signal data is safer than ever. FlatSat completely avoids restricted space communication bands like X-band, Ka-band, or S-band, ensuring you can practice protocol analysis without interfering with production space systems or critical ground infrastructure.
Warning
RF Compliance & Safety Notice FlatSat operates within standard license-free ISM bands (433 MHz / 915 MHz). Users must strictly adhere to local amateur radio and telecommunications regulations regarding transmission power, duty cycles, and frequency allocation.
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Hands-on Learning: Use Flatsat as the hardware companion to the PwnSat course, with structured lessons on binary exploitation, secure communication, reverse engineering, and space protocols.
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Hack Real Vulnerabilities: Explore and exploit firmware designed to simulate real-world satellite systems and vulnerabilities. It’s a safe playground for learning and discovery.
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Join the Mission CTF: Participate in space-themed capture-the-flag challenges that simulate real satellite operation scenarios.
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Prototype Your Payloads: Use the onboard components to develop and test your own payload logic, radio communication, or telemetry systems before launching bigger projects.
Important
The microcontroller on this board runs at 3.3V. Ensure that you never apply more than 3.3V to its Digital and Analog pins to avoid permanent damage.
| Board | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | FlatSat | |
| Microcontroller | ||
| RP2040 (Dual-core ARM Cortex M0+) | ||
| RF Communication (C&DH) | ||
| 2x SX1262 LoRa Transceivers | SPI0/ NSS Pin 17 (Uplink/Radio 0) & 7 NSS Pin 5 (Downlik/Radio 1) | |
| Sensors & Components | ||
| Environment | BME280 (Pressure, Humidity, Temp) | I2C (SDA 20, SCL 21) |
| IMU | LIS2DH12 | I2C (SDA 20, SCL 21) |
| Status | WS2812B NeoPixel | GPIO 15 |
| Communication | ||
| UART | Yes (Exposed pins) | |
| I2C | Yes (Exposed pins) | |
| SWD | Yes (Exposed pins) | |
| Power & Logic | ||
| I/O Voltage | 3.3V | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width | 41 mm | |
| Length | 78 mm | |
| CAD Files |
- Sibling Repository: Pwnsat/FlatSat
- Firmware Core: ElectronicCats/FlatSat_Firmware
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