A Comprehensive Review on Small Satellites: Services and Applications

Abstract

Paradigm shift of large satellite to small satellite can be seen in last few decades due to highly increase in applications of small satellites. Due to the revolutionary growth in the technology and availability of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) product, it is possible to produce very small but powerful hardware components which are capable of surviving in the dynamic conditions of outer space. However, this is quite challenging task to deploy these small satellites in the harsh space environment. This paper presents various issues and challenges involved in the operation of small satellites and categorization of satellites based on applications is provided.