Nebula Public Library

The knowledge bank of ESA’s R&D programmes

Impact Risk in LEO as a result of the Increase of Nano and Micro-Satellites

Programme
Discovery
Programme Reference
15/706
Start Date
End Date
Country
UK
Impact Risk in LEO as a result of the Increase of Nano and Micro-Satellites
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.

Executive summary