posted 04-28-2009 11:10 AM               

This is the first book to describe the state of the art of nanosats, picosats, cubesats, and the possible missions they can perform.

Small satellites serve as low-mass platforms that can be sent into orbit for well under a few million dollars, thus allowing nonspacefaring nations, corporations, and educational institutions low-cost access to space. A nanosatellite can be developed by any nation or organization, and launched by any number of means, ranging from traditional ballistic rockets to airborne missiles, balloon-assist launchers, rail guns, and even cannons. Some space missions can use mass-produced small satellites in large constellations or local clusters.

The contributors provide an overview of small satellite technologies, missions, and architectures, allowing the reader to learn how various small satellites are designed, fabricated, and flown, as well as new types of space architectures, missions, and satellite designs. Readers will also learn about new materials and cost-effective manufacturing techniques for mass-producing mass-customizable small satellites.

Space technologists, policy experts, and governments will get a fresh view of the potentially revolutionary capabilities of this emerging technology.