🛰️ DPI LTM CubeSat
1U CubeSat · Amateur-radio linear transponder · Launch target Nov 2027

Flying the AMSAT Linear Transponder Module on a PROVES Kit 1U

DPI LTM CubeSat puts AMSAT's flight-proven V/u Linear Transponder Module (LTM-1) on an open-source PROVES Kit 1U bus, with a modified PROVES V5d flight controller that drives the LTM over CAN. When it's in orbit, amateur radio operators around the world will be able to make SSB and CW contacts through a 30 kHz passband. The 1200 bps BPSK telemetry beacon will be received by the global FoxTelem ground network.

Form factor
1U
1.26 kg MEV (limit 2.0 kg)
Payload
AMSAT LTM
V/u linear transponder, 30 kHz
Orbit (TBC)
525 km SSO
97.5° · 95.1 min period
Launch
Transporter-22
SpaceX rideshare · Nov 2027 (target)
Orbit-avg power
0.78 W
EOL, tumbling, worst-case β = 0°
Orbital lifetime
~7 yr
at 525 km; DAS-calibrated estimate

Mission objectives

  1. Demonstrate the AMSAT LTM on an open-source university bus. The LTM's command, telemetry and transponder functions run on a PROVES Kit spacecraft instead of an AMSAT Fox bus.
  2. Provide a public V/u linear transponder (SSB/CW, 30 kHz passband) for the worldwide amateur-satellite community.
  3. Return health and science telemetry on a 1200 bps BPSK beacon decoded by FoxTelem, including host temperatures and bus data that the flight controller sends to the LTM over CAN.
  4. Validate the FC V5d LTM interface board (CAN, switched 5 V LTM supply, umbilical and telemetry lines) as a reusable path for other PROVES users who want to fly the LTM.

Explore the mission

Spacecraft →

Subsystems, open-source hardware, mass budget and open design items.

Concept of operations →

The mission from integration and launch through deployment, commissioning, transponder operations and reentry.

Power budget →

Solar generation, mode-by-mode loads, battery state of charge, and how much transponder time the bus can sustain.

Link budget →

Telemetry, transponder and command links for portable and fixed ground stations, plus Doppler.

Debris assessment (DAS) →

Orbital lifetime, NASA-STD-8719.14 compliance and the FCC 5-year rule, with a DAS project ready to open.

Resources →

GitHub repositories, AMSAT pages, PROVES documentation and regulatory references.

Partners

DPI Research

Mission lead. Owns spacecraft integration, the LTM flight-controller interface and mission analysis.

AMSAT

Supplies the Linear Transponder Module, its flight software and ground tools, plus command-station support. LTM page

Arrow Technologies of Texas

Engineering support through design, integration and launch.

PROVES Kit (Bronco Space, Cal Poly Pomona)

Open-source 1U structure, battery, solar and antenna boards. github.com/proveskit

Timeline