Modern Small Satellites and Its Key Technology,
Abstract
In engineering, as in science and the arts, evolutionary processes ultimately lead to simplification and perfection. The rise of modern small satellites shows that space technology is developing in this way. Because of the remarkable advantages of the small satellites, such as light weight, small size, low cost, high performance and short development time, expect the development of small satellites will bring about a great revolution to satellite applications and satellite technology. In this paper, the concept and background of small satellites were expounded at first. Secondly the survey of their development was made. Finally, the key technology of small satellites was studied. From 1957 (or 1985) to the end of 1993, the total number of satellites that all countries in the world launched is 4501 (or 1038). Starting in the 70's, the weight of the satellite became heavier and heavier, the technology became more and more complicated. On one hand, it satisfied the objective demand, but on the other hand, there appeared some problems, such as high cost, high risk, long developing time, inability to use the newest technology (such as high performance computers). The small satellite which appeared near the end of the 80's went back to the status of small size and light weight as in the prime time of the space flight age, but the actual situation has totally changed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 28, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA321015
Entities
People
- Lai-xing Lin
Organizations
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center