2011 - 25 Years of Progress: Endless Prospects for the Future

Twenty-five years ago, faculty at Utah State University, led by Dr. Frank J. Redd, observed a growing interest in space missions that could be accomplished for low-cost with small satellites. In the summer of 1986, Redd organized the first meeting, attended by approximately 50 people, of what would become the USU Conference on Small Satellites. Maverick elements of the military services, small businesses and national and international universities were early champions for a new era of small space missions and corresponding technology development. From these modest beginnings, the AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites has emerged as a venue for international collaborative discussion on small satellite missions, systems, and technologies.

In this twenty-fifth year of the conference, we will reflect on the progress we have made over the past two-and-a-half decades and explore the prospects for the future of smaller space missions. The Conference will convene developers, visionaries, sponsors, and enthusiasts for a highly stimulating week of dialog and collaboration to continue the advances of small satellite missions. Keynote speakers representing a broad spectrum of global perspectives and knowledge will share their thoughts and insights on the future of small satellites.