CubeSats

CubeSats are a class of small, standardized spacecraft that are typically designed for space research and technology demonstration purposes. The term “CubeSat” refers to their modular design, which generally adheres to a cubic configuration with dimensions of 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm for a single unit, also known as a “1U.” CubeSats can be combined in larger configurations, such as 2U or 3U, allowing for varying payload capacities and missions. They are often built using commercial off-the-shelf components to reduce costs and development time, making space access more available for universities, small companies, and research institutions. CubeSats are launched as secondary payloads on larger rockets and are used for a variety of applications, including Earth observation, scientific research, and technology testing in space environments. Their relatively low cost and ease of deployment have contributed to their increasing popularity in the aerospace sector.