Opening Insights The growing presence of resident space objects (RSOs), including active satellites and orbital debris, poses increasing challenges for space situational awareness (SSA). Traditionally, ground-based radar and optical methods have been the primary means of tracking space debris. These methods are constrained by atmospheric conditions, lighting variations, and the limitations of ground-based observatories. As […]
Opening Insights Advancements in small satellite Earth observation have enabled these platforms to capture high-resolution imagery for diverse applications, including environmental monitoring, disaster response, and agricultural analysis. However, the process of generating traceable and calibrated image products for scientific use involves overcoming critical challenges in image processing and optical sensor calibration. The inherent constraints of […]
Opening Insights As modern space operations become more complex, the need for precise attitude determination and advanced situational awareness continues to grow. Star trackers have been a key part of satellite navigation, providing unmatched accuracy in determining spacecraft orientation. Recent advancements in sensor technology have introduced a new capability, allowing star trackers to support Space […]
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 […]
