Computer miniaturization could enable fleets of small satellites for communications and reconnaissance

April 13, 2020
New camera technology and computer miniaturization have enabled military optical imaging or radar observations using fleets of small satellites.

WASHINGTON – With much of the commercial space industry focused on putting small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), how quickly will the U.S. military follow? Space.com reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

13 April 2020 -- Companies are shifting away from traditional large satellites towards small satellites. cubesats in LEO have been increasingly used in space since the 1990s.

In recent years, advances in camera technology and computer miniaturization have enabled companies to do optical imaging or radar observations using smaller and smaller satellites.

This has led to the present day, where companies ranging from OneWeb to SpaceX and Planet have been deploying large fleets of satellites, which eventually could include thousands of individual satellites, for applications ranging from telecommunications and Earth observation, to military reconnaissance and tactical communications.

Related: Military researchers approach industry to integrate LEO affordable commercial satellite buses and payloads

Related: Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness program upgrades satellites to enhance surveillance, awareness

Related: National Reconnaissance Office lets two important remote sensing contracts to improve satellite surveillance

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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