OpenLST Explorer Kit · Based on Planet Labs Open-Source Design · Hand-assembled in Tennessee

Open-Source RF
Communications.
Now In Your Lab.

Based on the open-source OpenLST design released by Planet Labs from their Dove satellite program — proven architecture, now available as a complete development kit for engineers, researchers, and universities.

Explore the Kit → View Documentation

200+

Cumulative Years On-Orbit

915

MHz ISM Band · No License

+27

dBm TX Power (1W)

100%

Open Source

Choose Your Kit

Everything You Need to Start Communicating

Three kit tiers for every project stage — from single-board evaluation to full two-radio development systems. All kits include bootloader-flashed boards, lab AES keys, and assigned hardware IDs.

Entry

Single Board Kit

$500 USD

One OpenLST radio board with antenna, fully provisioned and ready to integrate into your project.

OpenLST radio board (CC1110 · 915MHz)
915MHz SMA antenna
Bootloader flashed · Lab keys loaded
HWID assigned (0001 or custom)
User Guide + Developer Guide PDF

Order Now →

Based on Planet Labs' Open-Source OpenLST Design

In 2018 Planet Labs open-sourced the OpenLST radio design from their Dove Earth-imaging satellite constellation. The Dove Low-Speed Transceiver accumulated over 200 cumulative years of on-orbit data across more than 150 satellites — making it one of the most extensively operated small satellite radio designs ever released to the public.

The SpaceCommsKit Explorer Kit is based on that open-source design with modern component substitutions for parts that are no longer available — both pin-for-pin replacements with no schematic changes required. This is an experimental development kit built on a proven open-source architecture, not a certified flight unit.

Our Story →

Component Substitutions

Original	Replacement	Type
RFFM6403SB	RFFM6406	RF Front-End
PE4259	PE4250MLI-2	RF Switch

Both substitutions are pin-for-pin. No schematic changes. No performance difference.

Key Specifications

Frequency	915 MHz (ISM — no license)
TX Power	+30 dBm (1W)
Data Rate	7.4 kbaud · 2-FSK + FEC
Sensitivity	−112 dBm
MCU	TI CC1110 · 26MHz
Supply	5V DC · Max 5V

What's Included

A Complete RF Development Ecosystem

Every kit ships with the hardware, software, and documentation needed to go from unboxing to RF link in under an hour.

📡

Flight-Proven Hardware

CC1110-based boards matching the original OpenLST gerbers. Hand-assembled in Tennessee with Digi-Key and Mouser sourced components only.

💻

Windows Ground Station

Full-featured C# .NET 8 application. Telemetry, firmware OTA updates, custom commands, file transfer. Open source on GitHub.

🛰️

OTA Firmware Updates

Update remote radio firmware over RF without physical access. AES-signed bootloader with page-level verification.

📷

Remote Imaging Pipeline

Proven end-to-end: capture JPEG images with an Arducam OV2640, transfer over RF, view on your PC. See the Pico Project guide.

🔧

Fully Extensible

Custom command framework for CC1110 and Pico. Add your own opcodes, sensors, or payloads. Full source code included.

📋

Complete Documentation

User Guide and Developer Guide PDFs. Protocol reference, wiring diagrams, build instructions, and hard-won lessons from real development.

Included Software

A Ground Station App That
Actually Ships With the Kit

Most RF dev kits ship with a serial terminal or nothing. We ship a full Windows application — professional UI, live telemetry, OTA firmware updates, remote file management, and open source C# you can fork and extend.

OpenLST Ground Station — Files Tab · 10 files on SD card

OpenLST Ground Station Files tab showing remote SD card management over RF

📡

Live Telemetry

RSSI, LQI, uptime, packet counters — live every 5 seconds

📁

RF File Manager

Browse, download, delete files on remote SD card over RF

⚡

OTA Firmware Flash

Build, sign, and flash firmware to remote board wirelessly

🔧

Custom Commands

Any opcode, any payload — saved and persistent between sessions

Full App Tour → ⬇ Free Download

Quality You Can Trust

Boutique Quality.
Not Factory Volume.

Every OpenLST Explorer Kit board is hand-assembled and tested in Tennessee. Components are sourced exclusively from authorized distributors — Digi-Key, Mouser, or direct from the manufacturer. No clone chips. No gray market parts. Every board is tested before it ships.

The custom 3D printed board stands are designed and printed in-house, with the OpenLST logo embossed on the front. Small batch production means every kit gets the attention it deserves.

🇺🇸 Made in Tennessee Authorized Components Only Hand Tested

⚡

Power Requirements

These boards require a 5V DC supply — never exceed 5 volts. During RF transmission the power amplifier draws significant current. If the reboot LED illuminates during transmit, your power supply cannot deliver enough current. Use the included 5V 3A adapter.

📻

Licensing Notice

The Explorer Kit operates in the 915MHz ISM band (902-928MHz) under FCC Part 15.247 — no amateur radio license required. Ships to United States only. Always comply with applicable FCC regulations.

Coming Soon

Next Generation
High-Speed Comms Board

We're designing a next-generation communications board for higher bandwidth space applications. Built on the lessons learned from the OpenLST Explorer Kit — same open-source philosophy, significantly higher throughput. Same extensible ground station software framework.

Be the first to know when it's ready. Join the notify list and we'll reach out before public announcement.

// Next Gen · Status: In Design

Higher Data Rate Planned

Open Source Design Confirmed

Ground Station Compatible Confirmed

Tennessee Assembled Confirmed