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Small Satellite Conference

Theme

Abstract Deadline
Feb 5, 2026
11:59 PM MT
Abstract Notification
Mar 31, 2026
Accepted Papers Due
Jun 12, 2026
11:59 PM MT

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