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Impact Risk in LEO as a result of the Increase of Nano and Micro-Satellites
Thu, 12/09/2021 - 09:43

Start Date:
2015
Programme:
Discovery
End Date:
2017
Programme Reference:
15/706
Country:
UK
Contractor:
University of Southampton
Description:
Low Earth orbit (LEO) is experiencing a renaissance thanks to increasing commercialisation of space. The opportunities provided by small satellites are enabling diminutive companies and startups, in particular, to make a significant impact on the space economy. Small satellites have played a vital role in this revolution and they have a unique ability to bring around new products and services at short timescales and for relatively low-cost. This has caused a dramatic increase in both the number of commercial actors within the space industry, to capitalise on the new opportunities, and the number of small spacecraft launched, particularly to LEO.
Application Domain:
Generic Technologies
Keywords:
Space debris
Cubesats
LEO
Executive summary: