Small Satellites Get a Big Upgrade: NASA's DiskSat Takes Flight

NASA has just sent a bunch of flat, disk-shaped satellites into space. These DiskSats could change how small satellites do their job in orbit. The launch happened on December 18 from Virginia. A Rocket Lab Electron rocket carried the four DiskSats into low Earth orbit.

A New Design for Small Satellites

These satellites are different from the usual boxy CubeSats. Each one is about 40 inches wide and just one inch thick. The Aerospace Corporation designed them. NASA funded the project to explore new ways to use small satellites.

Advantages of the Flat Design

The flat design gives DiskSats more surface area. This means they can have:

• Bigger antennas
• Larger sensors
• More extensive solar panels

They also have electric thrusters, allowing them to move around in space and adjust their orbits. One of the goals is to test how they perform in very low orbits, below 186 miles.

Mission Objectives

During the mission, the satellites will start at the same altitude. Then, one or more will move to lower orbits. Flying lower can provide:

• Sharper images of Earth
• Faster communications

The flat shape also helps reduce drag, making it easier to stay in low orbit.

Cost-Effective and Flexible

DiskSats use the same launch containers as CubeSats. This keeps costs low while allowing for more design flexibility. The mission will also test a new deployment system. A custom dispenser held all four DiskSats during launch and released them one by one into orbit.

Future Applications

NASA sees DiskSats as a way to expand small satellite missions. They could be used for:

• Communications
• Radar sensing
• Earth observation

The U.S. Space Force funded the launch, and Rocket Lab provided the rocket. NASA hopes to use what they learn for future missions, including Earth science and lunar exploration.

Potential Impact

If successful, DiskSats could offer a new option for space missions. They combine low cost with expanded capabilities. This could help small satellites take on bigger roles in space exploration.