Small satellites are revolutionizing the way satellites are launched into space. I don’t just mean because they are small. The rise of small satellites has lead to new technology being developed for them to be launched at cheaper prices and more options for timing of launches. This same feat could not be achieved by larger and heavier satellites because of the cost to transport and launch them into space. However, small satellites have nearly been doubling in launch and have become a growing industry as a solution to the problems of heavy satellites and a revolution for the future. Due to their size, heavier satellites require rockets to launch them and this leads to the cost. Smaller satellites have smaller masses and can be launched in multiples as opposed to one expensive launch vehicle. This alone means that new companies and firms as well as organizations can be able to harness the power of small satellites for many purposes. It has lead to a new industry and new possibilities.



Small satellites have risen sharply in popularity. The rise is attributed to the high cost of launching regular or heavy satellites. The Annual Market Assessment series in Atlanta, Georgia estimates that small satellites in the 1-50 kg range has been significantly exceeding those satellites in the 50-100 kg range. The number of satellites in the 1-50 kg went from fewer than 15 satellites being launched between 2000 to 2005 to 34 being launched in 2012 and 92 launched in 2013. The rise in innovation has lead to more organizations using their reduced cost for purposes that can help them add to this growing industry. Launches can be better timed and even launched at the last minute, a time factor that wouldn't complement larger satellites.

The European Analyst Consult projects that more than 500 smallsats being launched in the years 2015-2019 with a market value estimated at 7.4 Billion. More launch options have attributed to the rise of satellites because of new options for launching. This is includes the rise of technology that allows for small satellites to be launched through faster and easier means than before. “The good news for us is that the launch landscape has drastically changed,” Jenny Barna, launch manager for smallsat developer Spire, stated during a presentation at the Small Payload Rideshare Symposium at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory here June 9. The new means of launching have allowed start-up companies and firms to take up satellite launching.

Various companies are using these new satellites to gather new data. San Francisco-based Spire plans to deploy a constellation of cubesats in low Earth orbit to collect weather data through GPS radio occultation and to track maritime traffic. Barna said “the company plans to launch its first 20 to 25 satellites by the end of the year, and have 125 in orbit by the end of 2017.” According to Space News.com, Other companies such as Planet Labs in San Francisco have noted that small cubesats make it easier for the company to arrange launches, especially on a short notice.

Small satellites are an amazing new industry and Small Satellite Space News is dedicated to bringing awareness to this growing trend. This is an opportunity to collect new data, invent new software, and possibly change the face of communication and space work. Small Satellite Space News will be updating articles following this growing trend and I hope my fellow readers will continue to explore this unique new industry. You can follow us at http://www.smallsatspace.blogspot.com/ where we share stories covering this growing industry. As always, all feedback is appreciated and I look forward to writing more articles on this subject.