Small Satellite

The ability to swap satellites into predefined launch configurations will provide more launch options and faster access to space. — For developers of mid-sized small satellites, the biggest hurdle is not building the satellite but launching these devices into space. A small satellite developer typically designs a customized satellite solution, then figures out a launch that meets their requirements. …

What does the future hold for small satellites, and what technological hurdles need to be overcome to get there? — The rapid escalation of the production and launch of small satellites has revolutionized space. Aerospace has been at the forefront of CubeSat technology and the miniaturization of satellites since before the CubeSat standard was established — flying the world’s first containerized satellite over 20 years ago.

An alternate approach to the CubeSat provides the benefits of a small satellite with large surface areas that can be dedicated to antennas or instruments needing exposure to space. — A defining feature of a standard CubeSat is its containerization — the shape, volume, and design — which makes it rideshare-friendly. This shape has been important since these devices have historically comprised a minor part of a total payload. …

The Slingshot program looks to advance on-orbit experiments using modular and autonomous technologies on next-generation satellite systems. — Space is rapidly evolving into a more dynamic and challenging domain, requiring more resilient and responsive architectures and processes that accelerate and streamline access to orbit while harnessing cutting-edge innovations to provide greater flexibility and adaptability for space systems.

Since 1999, The Aerospace Corporation has been a pioneer in the design, construction and flight of ultrasmall satellites. Learn more about the timeline of our past and future satellites. — The Aerospace Corporation began pioneering the design, construction and flight of ultrasmall satellites in 1999, developing an inexpensive, lightweight spacecraft that used the latest miniaturized electronics and microelectromechanical systems.

Aerospace has been at the forefront of CubeSat technology and the miniaturization of satellites since before the CubeSat standard was established — flying the world’s first containerized satellite over 20 years ago. — The accelerating pace of space innovation has transformed what humans once thought possible about reaching orbit, the moon, and beyond. The proliferation of small satellites and their increasing popularity have been major catalysts for this revolution. …

The past decade has witnessed an explosion in the launch of privately-owned, commercial Earth-observing (EO) satellites. One company, Planet, alone has a fleet of active satellites that number over 200. In 2021, a single launch of a SpaceX Falcon rocket delivered 143 payloads into orbit (story here). …

SpaceX’s Starlink constellation lost 40 satellites last week due to unanticipated effects of a geomagnetic storm. As we enter a new 11-year solar cycle, many of these constellations will experience previously untested conditions. We asked our space weather expert about what this will mean for future LEO constellations. — SpaceX’s Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe using a fleet of satellites in Low Earth Orbit. More than 2,000 Starlink satellites have been launched by SpaceX as of January, 2022.

This new CubeSat could provide information about the high-altitude molecular oxygen density of the Earth’s atmosphere for more precise tracking of satellites on orbit. — Reliance on space-based capabilities to enable essential services including navigation, weather monitoring and communications, are fundamental to modern technology. …