A CubeSat is a type of miniaturised satellite built to a standard unit size of 10 × 10 × 10 cm (1U), typically massing 1–2 kg per unit. CubeSats are commonly deployed in 1U, 2U, 3U, 6U, and 12U configurations and have democratised access to space for universities, startups, and developing nations.
Understanding CubeSat
Why CubeSats Changed Space
Before CubeSats, a single satellite mission could cost hundreds of millions and take a decade to develop. The CubeSat standard slashed both: a 3U CubeSat can be built for under $200,000 and launched as a rideshare payload for as little as $300,000. This opened spaceflight to universities, startups, and nations that previously had no satellite capability. CubeSat launch rates have grown exponentially — from a handful per year in the early 2000s to hundreds annually.
Commercial CubeSat Constellations
| Operator | Constellation | Mission | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Labs | Flock / SuperDove | Earth imaging (3–5 m) | 3U |
| Spire Global | Lemur-2 | Weather, AIS, ADS-B | 3U |
| Swarm (SpaceX) | SpaceBEE | IoT connectivity | 0.25U |
| Astro Digital | Landmapper | Multispectral imaging | 6U |
CubeSat Limitations
The small form factor limits power generation (typically 5–30 W from body-mounted solar panels), antenna size, and propulsion capacity. Most CubeSats lack propulsion entirely, meaning they cannot perform collision avoidance manoeuvres or deorbit at end of life — raising debris concerns. Modern regulations increasingly require all satellites, including CubeSats, to have a viable deorbit plan.