CubeSat & Space Missions FAQs

What is a CubeSat?

A CubeSat is a small satellite built using standardized cubic units known as “U”. Each unit measures 10 × 10 × 10 cm and typically weighs about 1–1.3 kg. CubeSats are capable of performing real space missions despite their compact size.

Why are CubeSats important?

CubeSats reduce the cost and development time of space missions. They allow universities, startups, and research organizations to access space and test new technologies efficiently.

What sizes do CubeSats come in?

Common CubeSat sizes include 1U, 3U, 6U, 12U, and 16U. Larger CubeSats can support more power, higher data rates, and advanced payloads.

What are the main parts of a CubeSat?

A CubeSat typically includes a structural frame, electrical power system, onboard computer, communication system, attitude determination and control system, and a mission-specific payload.

Where do CubeSats orbit Earth?

Most CubeSats operate in Low Earth Orbit at altitudes between 400 and 600 km. Some CubeSats are also deployed from the International Space Station.

How long do CubeSats remain in orbit?

CubeSats generally operate from a few months up to five years, depending on altitude and mission design. At end-of-life, they safely burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.

How are CubeSats launched?

CubeSats are commonly launched as secondary or rideshare payloads aboard rockets carrying larger satellites. This approach significantly reduces launch cost.

What is a CubeSat deployer?

A deployer is a standardized spring-loaded container that securely holds the CubeSat during launch and releases it safely into orbit.

How do CubeSats communicate with Earth?

CubeSats communicate with ground stations using radio frequencies such as UHF, S-band, and X-band, depending on mission data requirements.

What happens after deployment?

After deployment, the satellite stabilizes, deploys antennas, transmits its first signal, and begins mission operations. This phase is known as Launch and Early Orbit Phase.

Why CubeSats matter for the future

CubeSats support innovation, education, Earth observation, communication services, and rapid technology demonstration, shaping the future of space exploration.

What speed does a rocket need to reach orbit?

To reach Low Earth Orbit, a spacecraft must achieve a horizontal velocity of approximately 7.8 km per second. This speed allows it to continuously fall around the Earth without returning to the surface.

What is orbital altitude?

Orbital altitude is the height of a satellite above the Earth’s surface. CubeSats typically operate in Low Earth Orbit between 400 and 600 km, where atmospheric drag is low but communication latency remains minimal.

What is orbital period?

The orbital period is the time a satellite takes to complete one full revolution around the Earth. In Low Earth Orbit, this is typically about 90 minutes.

What happens if a satellite is too slow?

If a satellite does not reach sufficient orbital velocity, it will re-enter the atmosphere and fall back to Earth.

What happens if a satellite goes too fast?

If a spacecraft exceeds orbital velocity without proper trajectory control, it may move into a higher orbit or escape Earth’s gravity entirely.

Why are most CubeSats placed in Low Earth Orbit?

Low Earth Orbit requires less launch energy, allows frequent communication with ground stations, and naturally clears satellites at end-of-life, reducing space debris.

What are the other orbits available?

SSO – Sun-Synchronous Orbit is a special type of Low Earth Orbit in which a satellite passes over the same location on Earth at the same local solar time on each pass. Ideal for Earth observation and mapping missions.

GEO – Geostationary Orbit is located at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers above the equator. Orbital period is 24 hours, matching the Earth’s rotation. Used for communication, weather monitoring, and broadcasting services.

What is Earth Observation (EO)?

Earth Observation refers to the collection of information about the Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere using satellites. EO CubeSats are used for applications such as environmental monitoring, agriculture assessment, disaster management, urban planning, and climate studies.

What types of sensors are used in EO CubeSats?

EO CubeSats commonly use optical cameras operating in visible and infrared wavelengths. These sensors capture images of the Earth similar to a digital camera but designed for space conditions.

What is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)?

Synthetic Aperture Radar is an active sensing technology that transmits microwave signals toward the Earth and measures the reflected signals. SAR can operate day and night and can see through clouds, smoke, and rain.

What is hyperspectral imaging?

Hyperspectral imaging captures data across dozens or hundreds of narrow spectral bands. This allows identification of materials based on their unique spectral signatures rather than just visual appearance.

How do EO, SAR, and hyperspectral missions differ?

EO optical missions rely on sunlight and provide high-resolution images, SAR missions actively illuminate the Earth and work in all weather conditions, while hyperspectral missions focus on detailed material and chemical analysis.

Why are CubeSats suitable for EO missions?

CubeSats enable rapid deployment, lower cost, and constellation-based coverage, allowing frequent revisit times and near real-time Earth monitoring.

Bulletins:

What is a CubeSat?

• Small satellite built from standard units called “U”
• 1U size: 10 × 10 × 10 cm
• Typical mass: 1–1.3 kg per unit
• Capable of real space missions

Why are CubeSats important?

• Lower cost than traditional satellites
• Faster development and launch
• Enable access to space for universities, startups, and researchers

CubeSat Sizes

• 1U, 3U, 6U, 12U, 16U
• Larger sizes support more power, data rate, and payloads

Main Parts of a CubeSat

• Structure
• Electrical Power System
• Onboard Computer
• Communication System
• Attitude Control System
• Mission Payload

Launch and Deployment

• Launched as rideshare payloads
• Use standardized CubeSat deployers
• Lower launch cost compared to dedicated missions

Communication

• Communicate with ground stations
• UHF for telemetry
• S-band for moderate data
• X-band for high data rates

Orbit Velocity

• Orbital speed required: ~7.8 km/s
• Escape velocity is 11.2 km/s (not required for CubeSats)

Earth Observation (EO)

• Collects data about Earth surface and atmosphere
• Used for agriculture, disaster management, climate studies

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

• Active sensor using microwave signals
• Works day and night, all weather
• Used for floods, ice, deformation monitoring

Hyperspectral Imaging

• Captures many narrow spectral bands
• Identifies materials and chemical properties
• Used for minerals, crops, water quality

Why CubeSats Matter

• Support innovation and education
• Enable affordable Earth monitoring
• Allow rapid technology demonstration

Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

• CubeSats mainly operate in LEO
• Altitude: ~300–2,000 km
• Orbit time: ~90 minutes
• Used for Earth observation, CubeSats, space stations
• Advantages: low launch cost, high resolution, low latency

Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)

• Special type of Low Earth Orbit
• Satellite passes over the same location at the same local time
• Used for mapping, imaging, and climate monitoring
• Advantage: consistent lighting conditions

Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

• Altitude: ~35,786 km
• Orbit time: 24 hours
• Appears fixed over one location on Earth
• Used for communication, weather, and broadcasting

Why different orbits are used ?

• Different missions require different coverage, resolution, and revisit time
• No single orbit meets all mission needs

Most common orbit for CubeSats

• Low Earth Orbit
• Sun-Synchronous Orbit for Earth observation missions