Benchmarking the Small Satellite Industry – Identifying Emerging Trends to Increase Access to Space

Small satellites have the potential to allow rapid and affordable access to space; especially for small satellites or payloads that are used to test or validate new concepts or technologies. But limited launch manifest opportunities can hinder the exploitation of the qualities that make small satellites attractive. This paper outlines the work done to collect information on historical and developmental small satellite missions. Trends from the data and the implication on future small satellite missions are described. These trends and common characteristics are then tied to the limited manifesting opportunities offered to small satellites. Finally, development of future launch capability and how that could impact the small satellite market is addressed. Possessing knowledge gained from a thorough benchmarking effort of the small satellite industry can help improve the ability of gaining manifesting opportunities, thereby increasing access to space.