Smallsat Use Growing, but Issues Remain

摘要

While commercial and military applications for small satellites are growing throughout the world, there are some key challenges ahead that must be addressed by small satellite proponents if wider adoption of the technology is to become commonplace. The issues include the need for less expensive launch services and improved Earth remote sensing sensors and develop ing the equipment and skills required for flying spacecraft in formation. Experts from around the globe tackled these topics and others at the 20th Annual Conference on Small Satellites, held here August 14-17 and sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Utah State University.