Small Satellites with Big Missions

In preparation for an upcoming CubeSatSmall satellites that use a standard size and form factor, traditionally measuring 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm in size that may be deployed from the space station to conduct research and technology development. deployment from the International Space Station, crew members installed a NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer on the Multipurpose Experiment Platform last week. The deployment, which is targeted for next week, includes nine CubeSats that were launched to the space station on Orbital ATK CRS-9: RainCube, Radix, CubeRRT, HaloSat, TEMPEST-D, EnduroSat AD, EQUISat, MemSat, and RadSat-g.

The CubeSats have wide-ranging missions—from communications to Earth observations, atmospheric science research, and technology demonstrations. For example:

• The Radix CubeSat, developed by Analytical Space, seeks to demonstrate laser communication technology to transfer crucial data at a rate faster than industry standards.
• The CubeRRT CubeSat, developed by Ohio State University, will assist in demonstrating technologies for Earth-sensing microwave radio meters, which would enable researchers to remotely sense properties such as atmospheric water vapor, sea surface temperature, sea surface winds, and soil moisture.
• The TEMPEST-D CubeSat, developed by Colorado State University, aims to provide the first temporal observations of cloud and precipitation processes on a global scale, which will enable a better understanding of the links between Earth’s water and energy balance.
• The RadSat-g CubeSat, developed by Montana State University, seeks to demonstrate a new radiation-tolerant computer system and radiation sensor in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles..

Read more about these CubeSats in the Orbital ATK CRS-9 overview.

Find out how the ISSInternational Space Station is serving as a reliable launchpad for small satellites performing a wide variety of research, communications, and Earth-observation missions in the Upward feature “Jumpstarting the CubeSat Revolution with Reliable Launch from the ISS.”