Eveloping satellites have always been expensive, but the immense revolution in cube satellite technology has made things a tad more affordable. CubeSat cameras are now leading the rise in a wide range of space technologies that could significantly change the world.
The space industry has been using multi-billion dollar giant satellites, but this is changing with modern technology. The new space technology replaces these bulky, expensive satellites with CubeSats, constellations of smaller, affordable, easier to supplant satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Keep reading to learnmore about CubeSats and their high-resolution cameras.
What is a CubeSat camera?
CubeSat cameras are mini cameras installed in a cube satellite (CubeSat) to observe Earth. CubeSat technology was invented in the late 1990s, and the first device was launched in June 2003. More than 1000 units with the updated cameras have been successfully launched into low Earth orbit for earth observation.
The cube satellite mass doesn’t exceed 1.33 kilograms per unit, and their electronic and structure parts include commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) braces. A single device contains many components that are separated into six major satellite subsystems:
- Structure.
- Power.
- Communication.
- The payload.
- Command and data administration.
- Attitude ascertainment and control.
The device can float in low Earth orbit with an altitude ranging between 99 and 1242 miles and revolve around the Earth approximately every 90 minutes. CubeSats can be launched from the International Space Station and are often deployed via a Poly Picosat Orbital Deployer (P-POD) or Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD).
The revolution in CubeSat technology
Generally, space agencies utilize a risk-averse approach to perfect space technology for prominent projects with a minimal margin of error. The cost and scale of these projects are hefty, and space agencies can’t take chances with their engineering and development. This is where the revolution in CubeSat technology comes in.
The new technological capabilities aim to demonstrate high-performance cameras, quality star tracker images, increased navigation efficiency, and advanced solar technology. Additionally, it seeks to improve the communication to gigabits per second transfer quicker than industry standards. This means critical data will be sent to the ground faster and more affordable.
Compared to the old satellites, CubeSats with high-resolution cameras are more affordable to produce, launch and operate. This reduces the costs incurred by failed or aborted satellite launches, making large and small space agencies take chances on CubeSat missions.
CubeSat camera application
The new technology allows commercial enterprises to take advantage of space technology for a wide range of purposes. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how daily images from aerospace cameras would give you an edge. If you operate an industrial facility, you can estimate how much electricity your power plant generates by checking the plumes of smoke using a CubeSat camera.
This will offer the prospect of better power plant control with reduced operating costs if you don’t need to manually inspect your facility every single minute. In reality, a CubeSat camera can’t compare with massive satellite cameras when it comes to image quality. However, you can affordably use a constellation of CubeSat cameras to cover infinitely larger areas.
Benefits of CubeSat cameras
The following are very basic yet crucial benefits of CubeSat Cameras in modern space technology:
Affordability
This is the base criterion of any company looking to use space technology. A convectional satellite can cost roughly between 115 and 350 million dollars, CubeSats with their high-resolution cameras, cost less than 500,000 dollars.
Easy Accessibility
A few years ago, CubeSat hyperspectral cameras were only accessible by agencies with financial and personnel capacity to access space. The CubeSat revolution in space technology removes all the space access barriers for all sizes of institutions.
Advanced Technology
The current CubeSat camera resolution is quite advanced, enabling it to detect even the slightest atmospheric change. Additionally, the new technology supports the device to last up to 15 years, just like the conventional satellites.
Compact Size and Weight
Size and weight are the main determinants of a satellite. On the other hand, the price of launching a satellite is determined by the weight; the heavier the device, the expensive the launching cost. However, a CubeSat unit’s small size and weight make it cheaper to move and launch than the traditional satellite.
Flexible Services
A CubeSat cameras function at various levels depending on the type of your mission. The device provides flexibility and adaptability such that you can quickly implement new functionalities and services.
