Why Thermal Vacuum Testing Matters for Small Satellites Introduction Thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing is a core step in qualifying small satellites for the harsh environment of space. In low Earth orbit (LEO) and beyond, spacecraft are subjected to wide temperature swings and near-total vacuum conditions. To ensure that critical systems—from avionics to structure […]
CubeSat Vibration and Shock Testing Opening Insights Vibration and shock testing are critical elements in the verification of small satellite structures—ensuring that a spacecraft can survive the intense mechanical environments encountered during launch. For CubeSats and microsats, which often ride as secondary payloads, structural integrity must be validated against the same dynamic loads experienced by […]
Opening Insights Microsatellites are redefining what’s possible in high-resolution Earth Observation (EO). Once the exclusive domain of large spacecraft, submeter imaging and hyperspectral data collection are now being delivered by compact, power-efficient platforms. These next-generation systems combine visible and near-infrared (VNIR and NIR) multispectral sensors with new optical architectures—bringing advanced imaging capabilities to a broader […]
Opening Insights Accurate surface reflectance data is essential for Earth Observation (EO) applications ranging from vegetation health monitoring to land use classification and hydrological modeling. However, atmospheric interference — including aerosols, water vapor, and variable solar angles — distorts the radiance captured by spaceborne sensors. This distortion can significantly degrade the scientific utility of raw […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
