After completing its original mission goals of operating for six months in space and supporting three months of tests, the spacecraft, which is smaller than a standard toaster, continues to operate and provide engineers with data that is increasing the industry's knowledge and validation of various miniature satellite designs, technologies and systems. Boeing Advanced Network and Space Systems, developer of CSTB1, is exploring new ways to reduce the size, weight, and power of satellite technologies needed for operational NanoSats — spacecraft weighing less than 22 pounds (10 kg). Picosatellites such as CSTB1 weigh less than 2.2 pounds (1 kg).
CSTB1 consists of four microcontrollers as the brains, redundant communication systems with two independent radios, two high-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, a deployable antenna, a sophisticated control system that determines the attitude of the spacecraft using sun and magnetic-field sensors, a simple attitude control system that uses magnetic torque coils, and multifunctional boards containing sensors and electronics. NanoSats could potentially perform functions similar to larger satellites, while requiring significantly less time and cost to produce. Their low cost allows for more innovative approaches to be used due to the higher tolerance for risk. The tiny spacecraft are quickly deployable to launch sites and remote areas and can be integrated into a launch vehicle without dedicated manifesting — they can "piggyback" on a rocket carrying other payloads.