CubeSats are efficient for small organizations as well as large ones.

By Christopher Waldeck - 2015

Cost effectiveness has made CubeSat forms viable launch options for numerous organizations. Previously, I had written about two start-ups that were already launching satellites to perform different tasks and functions. The price of CubeSats is cheap because of their small sizes and now can be used for schools and universities rather than just solely for business purposes. Since 2015, launch prices have been $100,000-150,000 and around $10,000 to construct the CubeSat itself.

One can now see universities and schools developing their own CubeSats and being able to carry on projects that not only contribute to space exploration but also in ability to collect new data and jump onboard research that could lead to further exploration for an expansion of the CubeSat industry. This expansion can boost industries and increase further innovation for developing new technology and products for the future. Although small satellites still need a rocket to carry them into space, they can be launched in multiple clusters because of their size and low cost.

 

According to DIY Space Exploration, CubeSats use solar cells to convert solar light to electricity that is then stored in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that provide power during eclipse as well as during peak load times. These satellites have to share a small amount of solar panels in order to use other objects such as antennas, sensors, camera lens and an access port. The low cost for assembly and launching has led to unprecedented options for smaller organizations to get on board with the launching of small satellites.

Florida Today reported that NASA has launched more than 30 CubeSats over the last several years, and as of 2015, it has a backlog of more than 50 awaiting launch. On 5 May 2015, NASA announced a program based at the Kennedy Space Center dedicated to develop a new class of rockets designed specifically to launch very small satellites: the NASA Venture Class Launch Services (VCLS), which will offer a payload mass of 30 kg to 60 kg for each launcher.

To conclude, CubeSats are becoming a growing industry with more opportunities for small organizations and universities in order to utilize the many benefits that CubeSats provide. They have the potential to revolutionize exploratory research for space and possibly creating more jobs for launching and building the small satellites for space. This isn’t just an industry that only billion dollar businesses can take advantage of. This allows for greater adoption by a variety of organizations and more opportunities for students to take advantage of.