Small Satellites: Out of This World

Over the past several decades, dramatic technological advancements in small satellite buses, sensors, operations, and launch capabilities have allowed small satellite missions to demonstrate significant utility across many government and commercial applications. These now highly capable systems have reduced the cost of new space missions and expanded our access to space.

Historically, small satellites have operated in low Earth orbit environments in support of technology demonstration, Earth imaging, communications, weather prediction, and space environment missions. However, with the small satellite landscape changing rapidly, and following several recent global community mission successes beyond low Earth orbit, small satellite missions are now being targeted to explore our solar system. Several missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus, and asteroids are now under development.

These new space environments drive added complexity that is pushing current technological limits such as launch, power, propulsion, autonomous operations, long-distance communications, and the ability to operate within various radiation environments. While small satellite missions are positioned to support further exploration beyond low Earth orbit, advancements in capability and sophistication are necessary to enable small satellites to be routinely used as tools in support of deep space scientific research.

During the 36th Annual Small Satellite Conference, we will explore the realm of the possible and investigate key advancements for small satellite missions to truly become transformational scientific discovery tools beyond low Earth orbit.

Weekend Sessions

Educational and research programs, lessons learned, tutorials and CubeSat technology.

Coordinating Successful Educational Programs

A review of previous/ongoing efforts to train engineers and scientists utilizing small satellite programs, with an emphasis on lessons learned that benefit the broader community.

Recent Launches - Research & Academia

A review of educational missions launched in the past 3 years with an emphasis on lessons learned and technological advancements that significantly enhanced mission utility.

Next on the Pad – Research & Academia

A preview of educational missions scheduled to fly within the next 18 months with an emphasis on scientific and/or technological purpose of the mission.

Advanced Concepts – Research & Academia

Innovative technologies (hardware/software) that provide significant advancements in NanoSat class or smaller missions.

Science/Mission Payloads – Research & Academia

Innovative technologies or full-up systems that allow cutting-edge research and academic missions to be formulated.

Weekday Sessions

Cutting-edge technologies and missions supporting small satellite endeavors.

Beyond LEO (Theme session)

Innovative technologies or full-up systems (hardware/software) for space or ground systems specifically developed for small satellites operating beyond low earth orbits.

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.

Recent Launches

A review of missions launched in the past 3 years with an emphasis on lessons learned and/or the technological advancements that significantly enhanced mission utility.

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 on-orbit propulsion and attitude control maneuvering.