mikrosatelit

Mikrosatelit, or microsatellite, is a type of artificial satellite with a relatively small mass, typically between 10 and 100 kilograms. The class emerged with advances in miniaturization and the use of commercial components, enabling lower development costs and shorter lead times than traditional satellites. Microsatellites are usually designed for low Earth orbit, though some missions use higher orbits. They are often built by universities, research institutes, and small aerospace companies, sometimes as technology demonstrators or educational projects.

Design and systems: They typically employ modular bus architectures and compact attitude control, using small reaction wheels or magnetorquers, and in some cases limited propulsion. Power comes from lightweight solar panels and batteries. Communications often use S-band or X-band links, with data rates matched to payload size and ground-station capabilities. Many microsatellites are designed to be launched as secondary payloads, though some are built for dedicated small-vehicle launches.

Applications: Common uses include Earth observation and remote sensing, atmospheric and climate research, science experiments, and technology demonstrations. Lightweight constellations can provide improved coverage or data continuity at a lower per-satellite cost than larger satellites.

Limitations and challenges: The small size imposes constraints on power, thermal control, processing, and mission lifetime. Attitude stability, radiation tolerance, and reliability require careful design and testing. Despite these constraints, advances in standardized platforms, suppliers, and launch opportunities have spurred rapid growth in the microsatellite sector.