
USA: “CubeSats are here to stay” says NASA scientist
“CubeSats are here to stay” announced Dr. Jim Green, the NASA Planetary science division director, at the 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) in Woodlands, Texas, on Monday.
Green acknowledged that the miniature satellites will require new technology, but added that the aim is to get funding for a program that will allow them to develop the necessary tools and skills for CubeSats to be successful. He said it is about finding a way to “weave them into the program to be an effective part” of their mission.
CubeSats are 10cm satellites (3.93 inches) that measure 1 litre in volume and generally consist of commercial electronics. They are popular among students as they fit a low budget but can still carry out scientific tasks, such as monitoring the atmosphere. However CubeSats also have a number of limitations such as lack of a good propulsion system.

“CubeSats are here to stay” announced Dr. Jim Green, the NASA Planetary science division director, at the 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) in Woodlands, Texas, on Monday.
Green acknowledged that the miniature satellites will require new technology, but added that the aim is to get funding for a program that will allow them to develop the necessary tools and skills for CubeSats to be successful. He said it is about finding a way to “weave them into the program to be an effective part” of their mission.
CubeSats are 10cm satellites (3.93 inches) that measure 1 litre in volume and generally consist of commercial electronics. They are popular among students as they fit a low budget but can still carry out scientific tasks, such as monitoring the atmosphere. However CubeSats also have a number of limitations such as lack of a good propulsion system.