Small Satellites for Science

Abstract

This chapter examines the current state and scientific potential of CubeSats through a series of representative examples drawn from several fields. The aim is not to provide an exhaustive catalogue of smallsat science missions, but rather to give a flavor of the rich diversity of scientific applications of smallsats. The rapid growth of CubeSat-based projects developed by the scientific community has been enabled by low entry cost barriers, access to frequent, affordable launch opportunities, open standard interfaces for subsystems, the ready availability of commercial off-the-shelf components for the nonscientific, mission-specific spacecraft subsystems, and a growing user community that openly shares its experiences and knowledge. This makes smallsats ideal platforms for a short-cycle “fly-learn-refly” approach to carrying out scientific missions. The chapter ends with some remarks on the importance of utilizing these new possibilities offered by nanosats in a responsible manner.