CubeSats in a nutshell

CubeSats in a nutshell

A CubeSat is a square-shaped miniature satellite (10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm—roughly the size of a Rubik's cube), weighing about 1 kg. A CubeSat can be used alone (1 unit) or in groups of multiple units (maximum 24 units).

Using CubeSats

Four types of CubeSat missions

Type of mission		Description	Example
	Technology demonstration	The harsh environment of space is the ultimate test bed. CubeSats can help test new instruments or materials and validate their readiness to be integrated into a more complex space mission.	A CubeSat could be used to study the performance of a new thermal imaging camera by using it with different settings to evaluate the quality of images captured and the overall reliability of the instrument.
	Science	CubeSats can carry small science instruments to conduct an experiment or take measurements from space.	It could collect information on the magnetic field to better understand and predict its fluctuations in order to improve earthquake detection.
	Educational projects	CubeSats can provide students with a unique hands-on experience in developing space missions from design, to launch and operations.	A CubeSat could be used by students to track the movement of wild animals, like herds of reindeer or polar bears, by collecting radio signals emitted from collars attached to the animals.
	Commercial	CubeSats can be used for commercial applications, like providing telecommunications services or capturing Earth observation images.	A company owning a CubeSat equipped with a camera could sell high-resolution images of the Earth to clients in agriculture, city planning or business intelligence.

Things CubeSats have in common

Just like any satellite, CubeSats are custom built to the specific requirements of their mission and have at least three things in common:

1. The antenna and radio communication system, which sends and receives information to and from Earth.
2. The power source, like a solar panel or simply a battery.
3. The computer, which executes instructions to ensure proper functioning of the satellite.

The main cubic structure is made of aluminum and serves to hold the above components along with others such as cameras, sensors or scientific payloads. In addition, antennas and solar panels can be installed on the exterior of the structure.

Launching CubeSats in space

To be launched into space, CubeSats hitch a ride into space using extra space available on rockets. They are packed in a container which, with the push of a button, activates a spring that ejects the CubeSats into space. CubeSats can also be deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) by using the same technique from the airlock in the Japanese module. Like other satellites, they can be flown alone or in a constellation network, in orbit around the Earth.

Why size matters

Artificial satellites come in a variety of sizes ranging from one you can hold in your hand to the size of a school bus: small satellites, nano satellites, miniature satellites, traditional satellites. Their dimension and costs are mostly determined by the complexity and type of their instruments (commonly known as payloads). In recent years, thanks to the miniaturization of space technologies, satellites have become smaller for a number of reasons, the first being the cost associated with assembly and launch.

The benefits of using CubeSats

Pros

• Fast: can be built within two years
• Cost: far less expensive than large satellites
• Technology: simple, standard parts available off-the-shelf
• Design: simple design for short mission; no need to use thermal blankets
• Space debris: none – they burn up in the atmosphere upon re-entry

Cons

• Scope: limited due to reduced capacity to carry scientific instruments
• Mission duration: most of them are operational for a period of 3 to 12 months

Who uses CubeSats?

CubeSat rapidly expanded beyond educational purposes and created its own niche with government, industry and academia, who are collaborating to increase its technological capabilities.

Schools

CubeSats do the following:

• Give students experience in developing flight hardware and conducting space missions.
• Assist professors and faculties in preparing Canada's next-generation skilled workforce.

Government and industry

CubeSats are a game changer; labelled as faster, smaller, smarter and cheaper, they are valuable to government and industry for:

• Providing a platform for low-cost technology development and scientific research
• Enabling the acceleration of flight-qualified technology
• Generating innovative public-private partnerships
• Offering opportunities to develop the expertise and skills required for careers in the space sector

Looking to the future

CubeSats are revolutionizing access to space: developers and users are eagerly taking advantage of this new platform to increase research and development activities conducted in space.

CubeSats are even being used for interplanetary missions: NASA's Mars Cube One (MarCO) will embark on a mission to Mars in May 2018. CubeSats will offer an experimental communications service relaying information to Earth during atmospheric entry and landing.

Explore further

• Ex-Alta 1 : University of Alberta's first CubeSat
• Canadian CubeSat Project
• Selected Teams