A small satellite or SmallSat is commonly considered to be a satellite that weighs less than 300 kg (1,100 lb). CubeSats are smaller yet, but also need to conform to specific criteria including shape, size, and mass. The standardization of cubesats also allows for the standardization of the dispenser systems. The dispenser provides attachment to a launch vehicle or spacecraft and protects the CubeSat during launch. The dispenser releases the cubesat into space.
Visual description of some common Cubsat sizes by WestEastSpace.com
A SmallSat project phases (and typical timeframes) are as follows:
- Concept Development (1–6 months)
- Securing Funding (1–12 months)
- Merit and Feasibility Reviews (1–2 months)
- CubeSat Design (1–6 months)
- Development and Submittal of Proposal in Response to CSLI(CubeSat Launch Initiative) Call (3–4 months)
- Minisatellite, 100-180 kilograms
- Microsatellite, 10-100 kilograms
- Nanosatellite, 1-10 kilograms <– cubesats are here
- Picosatellite, 0.01-1 kilograms
- Femtosatellite, 0.001-0.01 kilograms
CubeSats are a subclass of nanosatellites that use a standard size and form factor. The standard CubeSat size starts as a “one unit” or “1U” with measurements 10x10x10 cm. The CubeSat increases to a number of standard sizes: 1.5, 2, 3, 6, and even 12U. The CubeSat was developed in 1999 by California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) and Stanford University to provide a platform for education and space exploration. The development of CubeSats has advanced into it’s own industry with government, industry and academia collaborating for ever increasing capabilities. CubeSats now provide a cost effective platform for science investigations, new technology demonstrations and advanced mission concepts using constellations, swarms disaggregated systems.
- 1U CubeSat is 10 cm × 10 cm × 11.35 cm.
- 2U CubeSat is 10 cm × 10 cm × 22.70 cm.
- 6U CubeSat is 20 cm × 10 cm × 34.05 cm.
- 12U CubeSat is 20 cm × 20 cm × 34.05 cm.
Reference:
- https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nasa_csli_cubesat_101_508.pdf
- https://www.cubesat.org/
- http://www.albaorbital.com/
