Depending on the competition there are descent and communication requirements, the CanSat radio should be compatible with the ground station.
These are some general CanSat specifications for the competitions:
All the components must be fit in the CanSat standard size. For the CanSat class (115 mm-height and 66 mm-diameter) for the Open class (240 mm-height and 146 mm-diameter);
The maximum mass of the CanSat is limited to 350 gr for the CanSat Class or 1kg for the open class;
The CanSat shall be compatible with the launching system;
The CanSat should have a recovery system like a parachute to be able to be reused after launch;
The antennas, transducers and other devices of the CanSat cannot oversize the can diameter until it leaves the launching system;
The deployable subsystems and recovery system can exceed the length of the primary structure, up to a maximum length of 230 mm;
Explosives, detonators, pyrotechnics, flammable materials, dangerous materials and biological payloads are strictly forbidden. All materials used must be safe for personnel, equipments and the environment. MSDS will be requested in case of doubt;
CanSats shall operate off of battery or solar panels. The power must supply the systems at least during 1 hour;
Cansats can use RF communications. CanSats with RF Transmitters shall have properly licensed operators;
Depending on the competition the total cost of the CanSat cannot exceed a certain amount in some competitions is 1000 €.
