Smallsats
Explore how space assets and ground infrastructure work together, use cases, architectures, and field results from Plan-S projects.
Ground Segment 101: Why Satellites Need More Than Spacecraft to Deliver Value
A satellite alone creates potential, but the ground segment turns that potential into operational value. By connecting spacecraft to mission control, data downlink, processing systems, software platforms, and user applications, the ground segment enables satellites to deliver reliable information, control, and service continuity on Earth.
The Role of AIT in Building Reliable Small Satellites
Assembly, Integration, and Testing is one of the most critical phases in building reliable small satellites. By validating subsystems, interfaces, payload compatibility, environmental performance, and operational readiness before launch, AIT helps reduce mission risk and supports more predictable outcomes in orbit.
From Mission Concept to Orbit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Small Satellite Missions
A small satellite mission is a coordinated journey from concept definition and mission design to platform development, payload integration, testing, launch, licensing, operations, and data delivery. Through its end-to-end space services capabilities, Plan-S helps organizations transform mission objectives into reliable operational systems in orbit.
Hosted Payload Missions: A Faster Route to Flight Heritage
Hosted payload missions provide a practical route to in-orbit validation by allowing organizations to test sensors, communication systems, scientific instruments, and experimental payloads on existing spacecraft platforms. By building on Plan-S’ mission heritage and end-to-end space services capabilities, organizations can gain flight heritage while reducing the complexity of developing a dedicated satellite mission.
Why Flight Heritage Matters in Small Satellite Missions
Flight heritage gives satellite missions a stronger foundation by turning in-orbit experience into greater reliability, reduced uncertainty, and more mature spacecraft platforms. At Plan-S, each mission contributes to the evolution of flight-proven systems, supporting future missions from concept to orbit and from orbit to operational value.
CubeSat or Microsatellite? How to Choose the Right Spacecraft Platform
CubeSats and microsatellites both create efficient pathways to orbit, but they serve different mission needs. Choosing the right spacecraft platform depends on payload requirements, power budget, pointing performance, data volume, operational goals, and future scalability.
The Big Revolution of Small Satellites: Why the Right Platform Matters
Space is now everyone’s business! Not long ago, space was accessible only to a handful of major nations and established defense contractors, shaped by billion-dollar budgets and development timelines that stretched over decades.
