Modern Small Satellites-Changing the Economics of Space

TLDR

Large, >1000‑kg satellites provide high‑resolution remote sensing, high‑bandwidth communications, and scientific studies but are costly and slow to develop, whereas advances in low‑cost microelectronics have enabled a shift toward miniaturized, smaller satellites. The paper traces the evolution of small satellites from early curiosities to a central component of contemporary space capabilities. Miniaturized satellites are physically smaller, cut development times and costs, and deliver operational and commercially viable services.

Abstract

Earth orbiting satellites come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to meet a diverse variety of uses and applications. Large satellites with masses over 1000 kg support high-resolution remote sensing of the Earth, high bandwidth communications services, and world-class scientific studies but take lengthy developments and are costly to build and launch. The advent of commercially available, high-volume, and hence low-cost microelectronics has enabled a different approach through miniaturization. This results in physically far smaller satellites that dramatically reduce timescales and costs and that are able to provide operational and commercially viable services. This paper charts the evolution and rise of small satellites from being an early curiosity with limited utility through to the present where small satellites are a key element of modern space capabilities.