A Cubesat is a type of miniaturized satellite with a cubic shape, with a volume of 1 dm³ and a mass of maximum 1.33 kg. To allow a faster and cheaper development, electronic components are sometimes COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf), but it is also possible to design some components from scratch so as to implement new features. The standardization of the interface between the launcher and the Cubesat allows a reduction in terms of work, time and costs for the mission.

The PHAST project (Photonic-based Aero Space Technologies: from Satellite) carries out a demonstration of spectroscopic diagnostics in orbit using a photonic sensor. The goal of the mission is to prove the possibility of collecting spectral measurements on a plasma jet emitted from a cathode, using a second CubeSat platform.