What are CubeSats?

CubeSats are small satellites that are made up of multiple cubes of 10 centimeters each (3.9 inches). CubeSats can be used for Earth observation, communications, and scientific research.

The first cubesat was launched in 2003 by the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. It was called the CubeSat P-1.

CubeSats vs Traditional Satellites:

• CubeSats are much smaller and less expensive than traditional satellites. This is because they use commercial off-the-shelf components and are often built by students and researchers. Traditional satellites, on the other hand, are typically much larger and more complex, and they use custom-made components.

• CubeSats are closer to Earth than traditional satellites. CubeSats are in Low Earth Orbit - LEO, traditional satellites are in Middle Earth Orbite - MEO, High Earth Orbit - HEO or Geostationary orbit GEO.

• CubeSats are less powerful than traditional satellites but when operated in more significant numbers their capabilities can rival traditional satellites. That’s why companies launch a constellation of CubeSats.

The cost of building a cubesat can range from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars. This is much cheaper than the cost of building a traditional satellite, which can range from tens of millions of dollars to billions of dollars.

CubeSats have opened up space exploration to a wider range of people and organizations. They have also made it possible to conduct experiments and gather data that would not be possible with larger, more expensive satellites. For example, CubeSats have been used to study the effects of space radiation on humans, to monitor climate change, and to observe asteroids.

Here are some specific examples of the impact of CubeSats:

• In 2014, a CubeSat called Dove became the first satellite to image every square kilometer of Earth's landmass every day.

• In 2016, a CubeSat called LightSail-1 became the first spacecraft to use sunlight for propulsion.

• In 2018, a CubeSat called ASIM was launched to study lightning from space.

CubeSats are still a relatively new technology, but they have the potential to revolutionize space exploration. They are making space exploration more affordable and accessible, and they are opening up new possibilities for space-based applications.

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