ABSTRACTS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED for the 26th Annual Small Satellite Conference to be held in Logan, Utah, USA, on August 13-16. The Small Satellite Conference provides a forum for government, industry, and academia to review recent successes, explore new directions, and introduce emerging technologies in small spacecraft development.
PARTICIPANTS WILL PRESENT stimulating papers that target the general theme, with particular focus on one or more of the session topics listed below.
2012 Conference Theme
Enhancing Global Awareness through Small Satellites
The most significant advances in expanding global awareness over the next decade are likely to be derived from new remote sensing techniques, methods for aggregating collected information, and delivering results in a timely manner. Small satellites have the potential to enable multipoint observations and monitoring of both Earth and space phenomena to enable an understanding not only of disparate regions on a planetary scale, but also their connectivity to world events. What are the key architectures, systems, and technologies needed to enable constellations or cooperative operation of small satellites? How are small satellites currently filling that role and what future global missions will they enable? During the 26th year of the AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites, we look to provide examples of how the small satellite community can integrate its assets to support critical global needs and expand awareness worldwide.
Session Topics
Global Missions
How small satellites can expand our awareness and meet global needs.
Getting There
Increasing access to space for small satellites through new launch opportunities and methods for rideshare.
Leveraging the Market
Applying commercial designs and processes to enable small satellites and global missions.
Mission Lessons
Reports on the successes or failures of small satellite missions that have flown over the last few years with an emphasis on lessons learned.
The Horizon
Previews of upcoming small satellite missions that are expected to fly within the next few years with an emphasis on the scientific or technical aspects.
Advanced Technologies
Components, subsystems, or innovative approaches that will enable small satellites to significantly advance performance.
Small But Mighty
Innovations and concepts using small satellites under 50 kg that will enable future missions and capabilities.
Growing the Community
New educational endeavors, methods, or small satellite standards initiatives that will develop the small satellite community or educate the next generation.
