Small Satellites for capacity-building and educational purposes – historical overview

Small satellites are a cheap and efficient way to do spaceflight. The main cost are those involved with launching. Therefore, small satellites can serve as a convenient starting point or entry into spaceflight – especially for but not restricted to small countries. In this context, the development, assembly and subsequent operation of small satellites can serve the purpose of capacity building in a certain country or institution. A satellite project can keep students and/or engaged professionals interested in one’s institution and even prevent the so-called brain-drain of skilled and highly-qualified personnel to other countries/institutions. Small satellites – i.e. their development and construction, but also their operation – can serve educational purposes by providing an opportunity to get hands on experiences and they can be inspiring to the general public. Small satellites often marked the first foray into outer space. This may have been small countries but also certain institutions in established space powers. This poster intends to give an initial historical overview of these developments.