Miniaturized Satellite

Miniaturized Satellite

Miniaturized satellites or small satellites are artificial satellites of low mass and size, usually under 500 kg (1,100 lb). While all such satellites can be referred to as small satellites, different classifications are used to categorize them based on mass (see below).

One reason for miniaturizing satellites is to reduce the cost: heavier satellites require larger rockets with greater thrust which also has greater cost to finance. In retrospect, smaller and lighter satellites require smaller and cheaper launch vehicles and can sometimes be launched in multiples. They can also be launched 'piggyback', using excess capacity on larger launch vehicles. Miniaturized satellites allow for cheaper designs as well as ease of mass production, although few satellites of any size other than 'communications constellations' where dozens of satellites are used to cover the globe, have been mass produced in practice.

Besides the cost issue, the main rationale for the use of miniaturized satellites is the opportunity to enable missions that a larger satellite could not accomplish, such as:

• Constellations for low data rate communications
• Using formations to gather data from multiple points
• In-orbit inspection of larger satellites.
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