CubeSats

CubeSats are a class of miniaturized satellites used for space research, education, and technology demonstration. They are built from standardized units called cubes; the basic unit, 1U, is a 10 cm cube with a mass of about 1 kilogram. Common configurations extend in length by multiples of 1U, leading to 2U, 3U, 6U, and other sizes, all sharing a 10 x 10 cm cross-section. Larger forms, such as 12U, are also used in some missions, but the 1U to 6U range is most common.

The CubeSat concept emerged in the late 1990s through collaboration between California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University. The aim was to lower the cost and complexity of gaining access to space by standardizing dimensions, mass, and interfaces, enabling reuse of components and easier integration. Launch opportunities are typically as secondary payloads, and deployment is often accomplished with deployers such as the Poly-Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD) or similar mechanisms.

In operation, CubeSats usually fly in low Earth orbit and pursue science, technology demonstrations, or educational objectives. Core subsystems include the structure, power system (solar panels and batteries), attitude determination and control, communications, on-board computer, and one or more payloads. Many designs utilize commercial off-the-shelf components and amateur radio bands for command and telemetry, which supports low-cost development and student involvement.

Benefits of CubeSats include low cost, shorter development times, and broad educational value, while limitations involve restricted power and volume, thermal and radiation challenges, and typically shorter mission lifespans compared with larger spacecraft.