Session
Technical Session IX: International Programs
Abstract
Despite relatively low levels of Government funding when compared with U.S. small satellite activities, the international small satellite community has achieved a number of impressive successes. These range from the impressive imagery transmitted from the University of Surrey's UoSAT-5 to the demonstrated small satellite launch system versatility and affordability of the Ariane Auxiliary Structure for Space Payloads (ASAP). Capabilities exist in a growing number of countries outside of the United States to design, fabricate, and in some cases launch small satellites into low earth orbit. Activities in India and Israel are being joined by emerging space programs in such countries as Portugal, Korea and Pakistan, where the affordability of small satellite systems provides a near-term approach for achieving a space systems capability. The international community has also developed the supporting structure to encourage and foster a new generation of space scientists who have the understanding and vision to recognize the potential applications for small satellite systems. A number of university & small business consortiums have been established in the international small satellite community as a means of providing a continuing source of trained small satellite engineers and scientists. Such programs as the University of Bremen/ORB Systems and the University of Surrey/Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. are examples of these consortiums that are actively pursuing small satellite development programs.
International Activities in Small Satellites; Comparisons with U.S. Programs
Despite relatively low levels of Government funding when compared with U.S. small satellite activities, the international small satellite community has achieved a number of impressive successes. These range from the impressive imagery transmitted from the University of Surrey's UoSAT-5 to the demonstrated small satellite launch system versatility and affordability of the Ariane Auxiliary Structure for Space Payloads (ASAP). Capabilities exist in a growing number of countries outside of the United States to design, fabricate, and in some cases launch small satellites into low earth orbit. Activities in India and Israel are being joined by emerging space programs in such countries as Portugal, Korea and Pakistan, where the affordability of small satellite systems provides a near-term approach for achieving a space systems capability. The international community has also developed the supporting structure to encourage and foster a new generation of space scientists who have the understanding and vision to recognize the potential applications for small satellite systems. A number of university & small business consortiums have been established in the international small satellite community as a means of providing a continuing source of trained small satellite engineers and scientists. Such programs as the University of Bremen/ORB Systems and the University of Surrey/Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. are examples of these consortiums that are actively pursuing small satellite development programs.
