Opening Insights The field of CubeSat solar arrays is experiencing rapid advancement, with new designs pushing the boundaries of power generation in compact form factors. Recent innovations are enabling small satellites to tackle increasingly power-intensive missions. One of the most exciting developments in CubeSat solar array technology is the emergence of origami-inspired deployable solar arrays. […]
Opening Insights Small satellite systems operate in complex environments where reliability and performance are paramount. Fault detection and prediction have traditionally relied on predefined thresholds and rule-based methods, but these approaches struggle to adapt to evolving conditions or detect subtle anomalies. Machine learning (ML) offers a transformative alternative, leveraging data-driven techniques to enhance accuracy, efficiency, […]
Opening Insights In an era where space exploration and satellite technology are reshaping industries, hosted payload services have become a game-changing solution. These services empower organizations to send payloads into orbit without the complexity, cost, and expertise required for managing their own satellites. By leveraging standardized satellite platforms that are designed to provision common infrastructure […]
As this time of the year circles around again, we would like to take this time to reflect upon the connections that matter the most and help to inspire - innovation, exploration, and discovery. The Apollo 8 mission launched on December 21 of 1968 and NASA astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders became […]
What is a Drag Sail and How Does it Work? Drag sails are thin-film membranes deployed via lightweight booms, designed to increase aerodynamic drag on satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). By providing a large surface area, drag sails leverage the residual atmospheric particles in LEO to create resistance, which gradually reduces a satellite’s velocity […]
Opening Insights Engineering cameras are those that provide data on satellite platform performance, such as the state of deployables, or the progress of a rendezvous maneuver. The requirements for these engineering cameras typically differ from those of prime payload cameras. Engineering Cameras: Minimizing Platform Demands Firstly, satellite buses are often designed around, or tailored […]
This Thanksgiving, we’re serving up a feast of innovative space solutions from the SmallSat Catalog! Check out our special Thanksgiving lineup of out-of-this-world technologies. Here’s a taste of our holiday menu: TURKEY: The Transponder for Uplinked Radio (K-band) – Emergency Yield, ensuring fast, reliable uplinks no matter how "stuffed" your bandwidth gets. GRAVY: The Ground […]
Onboard Computers (OBCs) are the central processing units of satellites, responsible for controlling key functions, managing payloads, and ensuring mission success. While many OBCs are advertised as radiation-tolerant and suitable for Low Earth Orbit (LEO), it is critical to look beyond the processor and consider the entire system when evaluating an OBC for space missions. […]
Choosing the right flight software for your mission is critical to ensuring successful development and reliable operation. Flight software governs everything from system interactions to network communications. So, making an informed choice is essential. Here’s how to approach selecting the best solution: Assess the Learning Curve and Development Timeline The learning curve associated with flight […]
Selecting the right antenna for small satellite missions is a critical decision that impacts mission success. The antenna serves as the satellite's communication link with Earth or other satellites, enabling telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) functions, as well as high-data-rate transmissions for scientific and commercial payloads. In this post, we'll walk through the key factors […]
