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

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.
Keywords
Space debris
Cubesats
LEO
Executive summary