NSL EyeStar S4
NearSpace Launch
The NSL EyeStar S4 is a compact, low-power satellite communication module for CubeSats, offering 24/7 pole-to-pole connectivity and half-duplex commanding via the Iridium network.
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- Mass
- 0.029 kg
- Power
- 1 W
- Largest dimension
- 60 mm
- Data rate
- 13.5 Mbps
- TRL
- 9
Normalised to common units so this product can be compared with others in its category. The supplier's own wording is below.
As published by the supplier
- Flight heritage
- since 2015
- Dimensions
- 60x30x21 mm
- Mass
- 29 g
- Tx power
- 1.0 W
- Idle power
- 0.25 W
- RF power
- 1.4 W
- Data rate
- <13.5 Bytes/s
- Frequency
- 1622 Mhz
- Temperature
- -30 to +60 °C
- Input
- 6-36 V
- TRL
- 9
- Orbit tested
- up to 600 km
- Eyestar-s2/s3/s4 heritage
- over 180 successfully deployed in orbit
- Certifications/qualifications
- FCC Compliant, RE02, Vibe 14.1 GRms, Part 15
About
The NSL EyeStar S4 is an updated satellite communication module designed for CubeSats, providing real 24/7 access to a satellite and its data with commanding capabilities. Operating on the Iridium network, it offers reduced latency, continuous pole-to-pole connection, and half-duplex commanding, all while significantly reducing the size, weight, and power (SWaP) compared to earlier EyeStar models. It is available in flight model and engineering model configurations. The flight model includes the EyeStar S4-F, an antenna (Small Patch Antenna by default), access to an Online Console, preset inhibit timing, and 5 hours of engineering support. Optional commanding can be enabled. Antenna options include Small Patch (35 D x 9 mm), Large Patch (49.7 D x 8 mm), and Simplex Helical (27.5 D x 38.7 mm). The engineering model includes the EyeStar S4-E, an antenna, access to an Online Console, and 3 hours of engineering support, with the same antenna options plus a Ground Testing Antenna with 50’ Cable. The EyeStar S4 can transmit 18-202 byte packets every 15 seconds, supporting up to 1 Mbyte/day of data throughput with handshaking enabled. It boasts excellent polar coverage with no significant dropout zones and a latency of 5 seconds from spacecraft to console. It can successfully communicate with satellites tumbling at up to 10 RPM and uses L-band frequency. The module features a simple TTL Serial Interface for data, and power plus analog inputs (up to 6 analog and 4 digital inputs). A Data API is accessible. Additional features include a small form factor patch antenna and direct interfacing with NSL GPS. It has a TRL of 9 and flight heritage since 2015, with over 180 EyeStar-S2/S3/S4 units successfully deployed in orbit. It is FCC Compliant, RE02, Vibe 14.1 GRms, Part 15 certified, and undergoes functional testing (burn-in, day-in-the-life) and environmental testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, bakeout).
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.