Theme
The Clouds Above the Clouds
Celebrating 40 Years of Collaboration
Over the past four decades, the small satellite community has transformed from a dedicated few pioneers working on shoestring budgets into a global ecosystem of commercial, government, and academic innovators. This community of collaborators has solved some of the space industry’s most complex challenges, redefining what’s possible in space.
Today’s satellite constellations—systems of systems composed of hundreds or even thousands of satellites—collect, process, and deliver unprecedented amounts of data with latencies measured in milliseconds. High-speed space networking, edge processing, optimized ground infrastructure, and increased launch opportunities form the foundation of this new era. These “clouds above the clouds” power critical missions in navigation, Earth and space observation, communications, and beyond.
The 40th Annual Small Satellite Conference will spotlight the technologies driving constellation success and celebrate the thousands of people whose vision and collaboration have propelled the industry forward over the past four decades. Join us as we celebrate the past, examine the present, and shape the future of small satellites.
All sessions will be live in Salt Lake City, Utah and streamed at smallsat.org.
Session Topics
Year in Review
A review of missions launched in the past 18 months with an emphasis on lessons learned and/or the technological advancements that significantly enhanced mission utility
Next on the Pad
A preview of missions scheduled to fly within the next 18 months with an emphasis on the scientific or technological purpose of the mission
Space Access
Launch systems, multi-manifest, or rideshare opportunities specifically designed to provide access to space for small satellites
Ground Systems
Innovative technologies or full-up systems (hardware/software) for ground networks, mission operations centers, or science/data analysis centers that significantly advance mission utility
Science/Mission Payloads
Innovative technologies or full-up systems that allow cutting-edge missions to be formulated
Advanced Technologies
Innovative technologies (hardware/software) that provide significant advancements in small satellite missions
Communications
Emerging technologies or techniques for the timeless challenge of communicating with or between small satellites
Propulsion
Key technologies for effective maneuver and/or attitude control
Constellations
Foundational technologies that support constellations, clusters, or swarms
