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CubeSats Spurring Satellite Revolution

Posted by samzenpus on from the getting-it-started dept.

kkleiner writes "Thanks to the miniaturization of electronics, small CubeSat satellites have quickly become the standard for orbital Earth monitoring. Their modular design and lower cost makes them accessible to many, from university researchers to backers of crowdfunding campaigns. This year, the number of CubeSats launched will at least double the number in orbit to date."

2 of 59 comments (clear)

  1. Next year's news... by msauve · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The popularity of cubesats has caused a great increase in "space junk," which increases the threat to satellites which support critical infrastructure.

    --
    "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
    1. Re:Next year's news... by msauve · · Score: 4, Interesting

      If 10-15 years is "relatively quickly," yes. The majority of satellites are in LEO, and it's where there is the most concern about space junk.

      --
      "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law