Space exploration and use are no longer exclusive to government agencies. Thanks to technological advances in miniaturization and electronics, small and medium-sized companies, universities, and local governments can also access space technologies at a more affordable cost.
In this context, nanosatellites are leading a revolution in space technology. These small devices orbit the Earth, offering efficient and scalable solutions for sectors such as agriculture, energy, and the environment. In this article, we explain what a nanosatellite is, what its functions are, and how it is launched and operated in orbit, with the aim of showing its importance in building an accessible and flexible space infrastructure.
What is a nanosatellite?
A nanosatellite is a small artificial satellite weighing between 1 and 10 kilograms. Despite its compact size, it is equipped with all the systems necessary to perform its functions and operate autonomously in space: power supply, communications system, control units, sensors… and, in many cases, also the capacity to perform observation or data collection tasks.
There are different types of small satellites classified according to their mass. In the case of nanosatellites, they usually fall within the CubeSat category, a standard that establishes the construction of 10x10x10 cm (1U) modules, which can be combined to create more complex units (3U, 6U, etc.).
The key to their success lies in their operational efficiency and cost reduction. Compared to traditional large satellites, which require years of development and millions of dollars in investment, nanosatellites can be designed, built, and launched in much faster and more affordable cycles. This opens the door to agile business models and the adoption of space solutions by new players.
Functions of a nanosatellite
Nanosatellites stand out for their great versatility, which allows them to adapt to multiple functions, both in the civil and commercial or industrial fields. Some of their most relevant applications are:
Communication and IoT connectivity
There is currently a growing demand for connectivity for IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Thanks to low-orbit nanosatellites, it is possible to provide coverage in remote areas where terrestrial networks do not reach, enabling the sending and receiving of data between sensors and digital platforms. This capability is particularly useful in sectors such as precision agriculture, mining, and maritime transport.
If you would like to learn more about this function, you will find all the necessary information in our article on the role of nanosatellites in the IoT revolution.
Earth observation
Nanosatellites can be equipped with optical or infrared sensors, and some are capable of capturing images of the Earth’s surface. This enables applications such as detecting changes in land use, crop analysis, and emergency management.
Environmental monitoring
Equipped with specific sensors to measure parameters such as air quality, temperature, or humidity, nanosatellites are key tools in climate research projects or for monitoring the impact of human activities on the environment.
Education and scientific research
Thanks to their low cost, nanosatellites have become a valuable educational tool for universities and research centers. Currently, these institutions can design their own space missions as part of training or experimental programs.
Education and scientific research
Thanks to their low cost, nanosatellites have become a highly valuable educational tool for universities and research centers. These institutions can now design their own space missions as part of training or experimental programs.
Defense and security
In the government sector, nanosatellites are being used for strategic surveillance, secure communications, and threat detection, especially in missions that require agile and adaptable infrastructure, as opposed to traditional satellites.
How they are launched and operated in orbit
The process of launching a nanosatellite into space and keeping it operational involves several phases, each with its own technical and strategic challenges.
Design and development
It all starts with mission planning and the selection of electronic components, sensors, and materials. In this phase, aspects such as weight, energy efficiency, and communication capacity are prioritized.
Integration and testing
Before launch, nanosatellites must undergo rigorous testing to confirm their resistance to the extreme conditions of space. These tests are carried out in controlled environments that simulate orbital conditions.
Launch
Thanks to their small size and weight, nanosatellites can be launched as secondary payloads on commercial rockets carrying other larger satellites. There are also specialized platforms that offer shared launches, which reduces costs and facilitates their placement in orbit. Once released, the nanosatellite automatically deploys and activates to begin its functions.
In-orbit operation
During its useful life, which is usually between 1 and 5 years, the nanosatellite carries out its mission using commands sent from a ground station. These commands may involve collecting and transmitting data, taking images, or performing specific tasks depending on the mission objectives.
Thanks to low Earth orbits (LEO), communication delays are minimal and control is more agile. This allows operations to be quickly adapted to the needs of the moment.
To manage this type of mission efficiently and with technological sovereignty, it is essential to have a dedicated space infrastructure that allows solutions to be scaled as the project grows.
Small satellites, big solutions
Without a doubt, nanosatellites are transforming access to space and democratizing the use of space technologies that were previously exclusive to large corporations or government institutions. Thanks to their low cost, flexibility, and multiple applications, they have established themselves as an essential tool in the new space economy.
From IoT connectivity to environmental monitoring, nanosatellite applications are fundamental to advancing toward a more connected, sustainable, and intelligent future. At FOSSA Systems, we are leading this change with space infrastructure solutions that enable companies and institutions to harness the full potential of space with efficiency, autonomy, and respect for the environment.
Would you like to know how a nanosatellite constellation tailored to your needs can help you? Contact us today and we will design a customized solution for your project.
