CanSat competitions have taken place in many countries around the world since the late 1990s. Typically, a number of student teams come together to launch their CanSats during the course of a day, competing for prizes. The rules and objectives can vary, but some common requirements are outlined below.

• 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 €.