Study on Impact of small satellites to space sciences

Findings of the KECK Institute for Space Studies Program on Small Satellites: A Revolution in Space Science
Smallsat 2013/Digital Commons, 13 February 2014
http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2949&context=smallsat

Presentation Slides
Smallsat 2013/Digital Commons, 13 February 2014
http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?filename=0&article=2949&context=smallsat&type=additional

In July and October of 2012 a study program, with 30 participants from 14 institutions throughout academia, government, and industry, was held on the unique role small satellites can play to revolutionize scientific observations in space science from LEO to deep space. The first workshop identified novel mission concepts where stand-alone, constellation, and fractionated small satellite systems can enable new targeted space science discoveries in heliophysics, astrophysics, and planetary science including NEOs and small bodies.

Spaceworks Releases Market Assessment

2014 Nano/Microsatellite Market Assessment Now Available
SpaceWorks Enterprises, 10 February 2014
http://www.sei.aero/news/newsindex.php?id=529

SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) released the annual update to its nanosatellite and microsatellite market assessment. The study presents the latest observations, trends, and projections for the nano/microsatellite market. Projections indicate more than 400 nano/microsatellites will need launches annually in the year 2020 and beyond.

NASA, Saylor Foundation Offer Free Space Systems Engineering Course

NASA, Saylor Foundation Collaborate to Offer New Free Space Systems Engineering Course
NASA, 5 February 2014
http://www.nasa.gov/press/goddard/2014/february/nasa-saylor-foundation-collaborate-to-offer-new-free-space-systems-engineering/#.Uveve4WarF2

Space Systems Engineering, a new massive open online course or MOOC from NASA and the Saylor Foundation, launches on Monday, March 3, 2014. The six-week, general-audience course is available to the public at no cost and provides a unique opportunity to learn from and alongside NASA's engineers. Students who participate can earn a free certificate.

PocketQube Shop Open for Nanosat Business

PocketQube Shop Open for Nanosat Business
PocketQube Shop, 10 January 2014
http://www.pocketqubeshop.com/

A startup based in Glasgow, Scotland, PocketQube shop wants to get more people building and launching their own satellites. We want to provide a hub for the fledgling class of PocketQube satellites by offering a one stop shop with the largest selection of parts available anywhere. PocketQubes are 5cm cubed spacecraft, proposed by Prof Bob Twiggs of Morehead State University (formerly Stanford). The first 4 PocketQubes made orbit on the 21st of November 2013.

PocketQube Standard
PocketQube.org, 10 January 2014
http://pocketqub.org/standard/

The 1U CubeSat was originally conceived as a cube, 100mm on each side with a mass of 1000g.

The 1Q PocketQub is one eighth of a CubeSat - a cube 50mm / 2 inches on each side with a mass of 125g.

Within the limitations of the format, it is recommended that PocketQubs are designed to meet as many of the CubeSat Design Specifications as is practical.

Microlaunchers: Technology for a New Space Age

Microlaunchers: Technology for a New Space Age
Amazon, 5 January 2014
http://www.amazon.com/Microlaunchers-Technology-Space-Series-Volume/dp/1491281111

I've been involved in writing a book about small launch vehicles over the last year with Charles Pooley. It is now available at Amazon.com.

The book is described there as:

A vision for a new space age based on small launch vehicles. An
introduction to microlaunchers and microlaunchers technology with
a general overview of rocket design and engineering but at a
popular and student level. Written for those who have a basic
understanding of high school algebra and physics.

In writing this, I've tried to make it as educational as possible. For those wanting to learn more about small launch vehicles, this is one of a very small list of books that focus on this subject. There are very few sources that cover these issues together at the price and the readability that I hope this book has.

NASA's LLCD tests confirm laser communication capabilities in space

NASA's LLCD tests confirm laser communication capabilities in space
Gizmag, 26 December 2013
http://www.gizmag.com/llcd-results-ladee-space-laser-communications/30230/

This week, NASA released the results of its Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration’s (LLCD) 30-day test carried out by its Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) that is currently in orbit around the Moon. According to the space agency, the LLCD mission proved that laser communications are practical at a distance of a quarter of a million miles and that such a system could perform as well, if not better, than any NASA radio system.

Boxy CubeSats get a propulsion boost in new space race

Boxy CubeSats get a propulsion boost in new space race
New Scientist, 2 December 2013
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24679-boxy-cubesats-get-a-propulsion-boost-in-new-space-race.html

Instead, Lozano and his colleagues will propel their craft with an unusual substance called an ionic liquid, made solely of positively or negatively charged ions. In the engine, a reservoir of ionic liquid soaks into a porous, metal chip and forms tiny pools in the pores of spikes on its surface. When a small electric field is applied, these pools morph into cones, which amplify the electric field so that it is strong enough to pull away ions in a steady beam (see below).