SMALLSATS AND CUBESATS
SmallSats and CubeSats now provide a financially viable framework for conducting scientific inquiries, showcasing novel technologies, and exploring sophisticated mission ideas via the utilisation of constellations, swarms, and disaggregated systems.
SMALL SATS
CUBE SATS
Nanosatellites are referred to as ‘one unit’ or ‘1U,’ measuring 10x10x10 centimetres up to 16U Medium for educational endeavours and to facilitate advancements in the field of space exploration
Size
Small satellites not exceeding 180 kilograms
Contributed to 43% of the payload launched into space
Purpose
In 2022, the number of small satellites launched worldwide amounted to 2,402, constituting about 94% of all spacecraft launched
Total Number of Satellites in Space
2,213 CubeSats were launched up to Oct 2023
Bryce Tech, NASA,Nanosat.eu
EXAMPLE OF CUBESATS
Kilogrammes (kg)
Mass Class Name Femto
0.01 - 0.09
6U
12U
Pico
0.1 - 1
Nano
1.1 - 10
Micro
11 - 200
Mini
201 - 600
Small
601 - 1,200
Drymass 9 kg
Drymass 4.5 kg
Medium
1,201 - 2,500
EXAMPLE OF SMALLSATS
Intermediate
2,501 - 4,200
Large
4,201 - 5,400
Heavy Extra Heavy
5,401 - 7,000 > 7,001
FAA The Annual Compendium of Commercial Space Transportation: 2018
Drymass 100 kg
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker