A Shoebox-Sized Satellite Could be the Future for Space Tech
About 300 miles above the earth, a satellite smaller than a shoe box is sending back high resolution videos and images to earth.
Researchers are saying that satellites like this are going to be future of space travel and exploration. Our Ariel Levin-Waldman has the story.
In recent years, space technology has become more advanced and accessible, with private companies and governments investing in space exploration and innovation. One promising development in the field of space tech is the use of small satellites, particularly shoebox-sized satellites, also known as CubeSats. These miniature, cost-effective satellites have the potential to revolutionize the way we explore and study space.
CubeSats were first developed in 1999 by researchers at California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University. These satellites are typically made up of a 10cm cubed unit, with a mass of approximately 1kg. Despite their small size, CubeSats can carry out many of the same functions as larger and more expensive satellites, such as imaging, communication, and tracking.
One of the advantages of CubeSats is their low cost, allowing more organizations and researchers to access space. CubeSats can also be built quickly, allowing for rapid data collection and analysis. In addition, they can be deployed in larger numbers, providing a wider range of coverage than traditional satellites.
Another benefit of CubeSats is their compatibility with existing launch systems. Rather than requiring a costly and customized launch, CubeSat launches can take advantage of space being made available on existing commercial and government launches. This means that satellites can be launched in greater numbers and more frequently, providing more consistent data over time.
CubeSats have already been deployed in a variety of applications, from monitoring weather patterns to tracking wildlife migration. They have also been used in scientific research, such as studying the effects of microgravity on plants and testing new technologies in space. In addition, CubeSats are being used to support communication and navigation systems on Earth.
One area where CubeSats could have a significant impact is in the exploration of deep space. By using multiple CubeSats, it would be possible to explore a wide area of space without the need for costly and large-scale missions. CubeSats could also be used to investigate potential landing sites for future space missions or to support manned missions by providing communication and tracking systems.
Despite the benefits of CubeSats, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. One potential concern is the risk of space debris, as CubeSats are typically launched in low Earth orbit and can be difficult to track. There are also limitations on the type of scientific research that can be carried out with a CubeSat, as they have limited power and data storage capabilities.
In conclusion, CubeSats have the potential to significantly impact space tech by providing a low-cost, accessible, and versatile platform for research and exploration. As technology continues to develop and the capabilities of CubeSats improve, we may see more and more of these shoebox-sized satellites taking on more complex missions and advancing our understanding of the universe.