Multispectral remote sensing can enable myriad applications, including land cover change mapping and monitoring of vegetation activity and forest fires, to name a few. Although the acquisition of multispectral remote sensing data could empower developing countries toward better management of their natural resources, acquiring this type of data is not trivial. To assess a potential solution to lowering the barrier to entry for these types of missions, Quetzal-1, a 1U CubeSat and Guatemala’s first satellite, tested a payload prototype on a relatively lower budget. This prototype’s approach was based on housing a series of bandpass filters on a carousel that was rotated by a piezoelectric motor, so that a sensor could acquire data at different wavelengths. We provide a guideline for replicating this prototype (including engineering drawings) and the logic behind its design, describing how the data collection wavelengths were selected and introducing key optics and photography concepts needed for the optimal setup of the sensor, lens, and filters. The governing software architecture and preflight testing (including computer-based simulation and vibration testing) is also described. On-orbit performance parameters, such as power consumption, are provided and contrasted to preflight test results, as well as the impact of payload operations on the satellite’s attitude. Quetzal-1’s piezoelectric motor rotated more than 1800 times in space, and the payload imaged hurricane Iota as it was hitting Guatemala. Although the development of this payload is still work in progress, the lessons learned from the development and operation in space of this first prototype can serve other teams designing their own multispectral imaging CubeSat missions, which by changing the light filters may implement different remote sensing applications.