Smaller Satellites (SmallSats and CubeSats) and Low Earth Orbit Revolutionize Telecommunications

Until recently, satellites orbiting the Earth were large, heavy craft. In recent years, however, a growing fleet of smaller satellites has been launched, ranging from the size of kitchen refrigerators down to golf balls. These relatively tiny SmallSats have an exponentially growing number of uses and, thanks to their miniaturization coupled with rocket technology innovation, are far cheaper to launch and maintain than ever before. A class of the smallest SmallSats are called CubeSats, which, according to NASA, refers to a class of nanosatellites that use a standard size and form factor. The standard CubeSat size uses one standard module or unit (“1U”) measuring 10x10x10 centimeters, and is extendable to larger sizes; 1.5, 2, 3, 6 and even 12U. They are particularly easy to launch because they have electronic and physical interfaces that allow 1U modules to stack together in a dispenser that increases payload in a rocket, sometimes called a “secondary payload.” CubeSats were originally developed in 1999 by California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) and Stanford University to provide a platform for education and space exploration.

Satellites of all sizes are being streamlined to rely more on 3-D printing which saves manufacturing costs and increases orbit efficiency. For example, Boeing Co. is incorporating 3-D printing in the development of its Phoenix satellites.

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Smaller Satellites (SmallSats and CubeSats) and Low Earth Orbit Revolutionize Telecommunications, Business and Industry Trends Analysis

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