2008 - Big Business

At the onset of the modern microspace era, small satellites were commonly viewed as the folly of a few academics, renegade defense researchers, and disbelievers in the laws of physics. Today, not only have small space systems proven their ability in a broad spectrum of missions, they have carved out a notable portion of the space market and show continuing signs of growth over the coming decade. The world’s largest space companies have initiated nano-satellite research projects to experiment and explore radical spacecraft design elements that they would not have considered a decade ago for more traditional programs. Entire national space agencies have been built on the foundation of small satellites for communications, Earth imaging, and national technology development. In the U.S., the Department of Defense and other agencies have established long term budget plans for systems that are based principally on smaller, more rapidly developed space platforms. The 22nd Annual AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites will focus on the expanding business of small satellites.