International Coordination and Support for SmallSat‐Enabled Space Weather Activities (original) (raw)

Small Satellites: Revolutionizing Space Exploration and Earth Observation

European Journal of Advances in Engineering and Technology, 2024

Small satellites, also known as smallsats or CubeSats, have emerged as pivotal platforms in modern space exploration and Earth observation. This article reviews the evolution, technological advancements, and applications of small satellites, highlighting their role in democratizing access to space and enabling innovative missions with reduced costs and accelerated development timelines. Advancements in miniaturization, propulsion, and communication systems have enhanced their capabilities for high-resolution imaging, real-time data collection, and autonomous operations. Despite their compact size, small satellites contribute significantly to scientific research, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and telecommunications. This review explores current challenges such as orbital debris management and regulatory frameworks while outlining prospects, including AI-driven autonomy and constellation deployments, which promise to further revolutionize space-based capabilities. As small satellite technology continues to evolve, it stands poised to shape the future of space exploration and redefine our understanding of Earth and beyond. small satellites are revolutionizing space exploration and Earth observation by democratizing access to space, advancing scientific knowledge, and fostering global collaboration. Their compact size, technological versatility, and cost-effectiveness make them indispensable tools for addressing global challenges and achieving sustainable development goals. As small satellite capabilities continue to evolve, they hold the potential to unlock new frontiers in space science, inspire innovation across industries, and shape the future of space exploration for generations to come.

Emerging Trends in Small Satellite Technology: Challenges and Opportunities

European Journal of Advances in Engineering and Technology, 2024

The rapid advancement of small satellite technology has sparked significant interest in recent years, revolutionizing space exploration and Earth observation capabilities. This abstract explores the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of small satellites. Key topics include the miniaturization of components, advances in propulsion and communication systems, and the integration of artificial intelligence for autonomous operations. Challenges such as limited payload capacity and orbital debris management are also discussed. Opportunities lie in leveraging small satellites for cost-effective missions, rapid deployment, and global connectivity solutions. These abstract highlights the evolving landscape of small satellite technology and its potential impact on future space endeavors. Furthermore, the abstract discusses the growing role of small satellites in democratizing access to space, enabling academic institutions, commercial entities, and developing nations to participate in space missions. The emergence of dedicated launch services and standardized platforms has lowered barriers to entry, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the space industry. This abstract concludes by examining prospects for small satellite constellations in fields such as climate monitoring, disaster response, and precision agriculture, underscoring their potential to address global challenges and drive sustainable development goals.

Design, Implementation, and Operation of a Small Satellite Mission to Explore the Space Weather Effects in Leo

Aerospace

Ten-Koh is a 23.5 kg, low-cost satellite developed to conduct space environment effects research in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Ten-Koh was developed primarily by students of the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) and launched on 29 October 2018 on-board HII-A rocket F40, as a piggyback payload of JAXA’s Greenhouse gas Observing Satellite (GOSAT-2). The satellite carries a double Langmuir probe, CMOS-based particle detectors and a Liulin spectrometer as main payloads. This paper reviews the design of the mission, specifies the exact hardware used, and outlines the implementation and operation phases of the project. This work is intended as a reference that other aspiring satellite developers may use to increase their chances of success. Such a reference is expected to be particularly useful to other university teams, which will likely face the same challenges as the Ten-Koh team at Kyutech. Various on-orbit failures of the satellite are also discussed here in order to help avoid th...

Introduction to the Small Satellite Revolution and Its Many Implications

Handbook of Small Satellites, 2019

This chapter provides a broad introduction to this Handbook on small satellites. It offers information as to why this Handbook was created and its primary uses. It provides guidance as to the structure of the Handbook and its Appendices and a useful information as to how the text of this Handbook and its references can be employed to understand about the history, the technology of small satellites, ground stations and systems for users of these small satellites, the operation of these facilities, launch services, as well as definitions concerning the many different types of these small satellites that exist today. It also provides information, explanations, and definitions about the economic, legal, policy, and J. N. Pelton (*) International Space University (ISU), Strasbourg, France e-mail: joepelton@verizon.net S. Madry University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA e-mail: madrys@email.unc.edu © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020 J. Pelton (ed.), Handbook of Small Satellites...