Comments on: Can CubeSats do quality science? For one group, yes

By: Q

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 23:34:30 +0000

While CubeSats are large, especially compared to most debris in space, there has only been a few hundred put into orbit. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_CubeSats ) I think you’re right that they’re part of the space debris problem. After all, everything that gets put into space becomes part of the space debris problem. But when one compares the few hundred CubeSats to the total number of space debris objects in orbit right now, they compose a very small fraction. ( http://www.spaceacademy.net.au/watch/debris/gsd/sonum.gif ).

Personally, I think we should take the debris problem seriously, and a good place to start would be at the large-scale collision events. The 2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test and the 2009 satellite collision event created an estimated 4,000 new objects just between the two, increasing the total number of objects by ~50%. Operational satellites, such as CubeSats, I think should take a back-seat to the discussion.

By: Ian

Ian — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 04:42:41 +0000

Stuart,

Most cubesats, CSSWE included, are in a relatively low altitude orbit. This means that with enough time atmospheric drag will slow the satellite down and it will fall out of orbit. If I remember right, one of our engineering requirements for CSSWE was that it would reenter within 25 years. The necessary analysis was done during the design phase and, CSSWE should meet that requirement.

In general you are right that space debris represent a major challenge for the future space industry.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 07:17:07 +0000

Cubesats are now extremely popular and I feel are going to be developed still further. I do worry if they will become a future problem with regards to becoming more space trash orbiting the Earth a hazard to future space farers.

Could somebody put my mind at ease?