Mikrosäteisiin

Mikrosäteisiin is a Finnish term that translates to "micro-satellites" or "microsatellites" in English. These are small artificial satellites, typically weighing between 10 and 100 kilograms. While the definition can vary slightly, this weight range distinguishes them from larger satellites and smaller nanosatellites or picosatellites. Microsatellites are designed to fulfill a variety of missions, often in areas where larger, more expensive satellites would be overkill or impractical.

The development and deployment of microsatellites have significantly lowered the barrier to entry for space-based applications. Their reduced size and mass lead to lower manufacturing and launch costs, making them accessible to a wider range of organizations, including universities, research institutions, and smaller commercial companies. This has spurred innovation in areas such as Earth observation, telecommunications, scientific research, and technology demonstration.

Microsatellites often leverage miniaturized components and advanced manufacturing techniques. They can be launched individually or as part of a constellation, providing more frequent data collection or broader coverage. The trend towards smaller satellites like microsatellites is a notable aspect of the evolving space industry, often referred to as the "New Space" era, characterized by increased commercialization and accessibility.