// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Cubesat
A CubeSat is a specific type of very small satellite, typically made of standardized 10cm x 10cm x 10cm units, making them relatively inexpensive and quick to develop.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A CubeSat is a standardized class of nanosatellites, typically built from 10x10x10 cm (1U) cubic units, designed for educational, scientific, or commercial missions, offering cost-effective and rapid development and deployment opportunities.
BACKGROUND
The European Space Agency (ESA) operates a number of space missions, both individually and in collaborations with other space agencies such as U.S. NASA, Japanese JAXA, Chinese CNSA, as well as space agencies of ESA member states (eg. French CNES, Italian ASI, German DLR, Polish POLSA). ESA organizes its missions into various budgetary programmes. This list follows the divisions of the Science Programme, the FutureEO Programme, and the Space Safety Programme. Missions from other programmes, such as Terrae Novae, FLPP, GSTP, or ARTES, are listed in loosely thematic categories.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- 1U Satellite
- Nanosatellite (specific type)
- Standardized SmallSat
USAGE NOTE
CubeSats are popular for university projects and technology demonstrations due to their low cost and ease of integration.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Cubesat.
An American Earth imaging company that designs and manufactures Triple-CubeSat miniature satellites called Doves that are then delivered into orbit as secondary payloads on other launch missions. They operate the largest constellation of Earth-observing satellites.
A space-to-cloud data and analytics company that specializes in the tracking of global data sets, including maritime, aviation, and weather monitoring. They design, build, and operate a large constellation of multi-payload CubeSats.
Known for its Electron launch vehicle, Rocket Lab also has a significant space systems division that manufactures the Photon satellite bus. Photon is a configurable platform designed for a range of missions, from low Earth orbit to interplanetary, often carrying CubeSat-sized payloads or acting as a CubeSat deployer.
A leading European company specializing in small satellite technology and services. They provide CubeSat and small satellite platforms, components, and end-to-end mission services for a variety of applications.
A Danish company that is a globally leading manufacturer and supplier of CubeSat and small satellite solutions. They provide subsystems, full platforms, and in-orbit services for academic, government, and commercial customers.
A subsidiary of Terran Orbital, Tyvak is a leading provider of nano-satellite and CubeSat vehicles, services, and solutions. They offer end-to-end mission support, from design and manufacturing to launch services and on-orbit operations.
A subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, Blue Canyon is a manufacturer of small satellite buses and high-performance spacecraft components, particularly advanced attitude control systems that enable precise pointing for CubeSats and other small satellites.
A key NASA research center that has been instrumental in the development and proliferation of the CubeSat standard. They actively develop and fly CubeSat missions for technology demonstration, science, and exploration, including the TechEdSat and BioSentinel missions.
A European company providing CubeSat platforms, subsystems, and unique shared satellite services. They enable businesses and academia to fly and operate their payloads in orbit without having to build their own satellite.