Exploiting and Exploring Low Earth Orbit: Small Satellites, Hitchhikers, and Smart Links

Abstract

Breakthroughs the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) made in small satellites and hosted payloads in 2010–2020 are helping to pave the way for the future in ubiquitous sensing from space. Leveraging its extensive knowledge of space engineering, advanced miniaturization techniques, and a proven capability to meet new challenges, APL is making important contributions that enable a future in which our planet can be managed with prognostic sensing and communication at spatial and temporal scales heretofore unheard of. Small satellites will usher in this new era of utilizing space assets for improving life on Earth and extending humanity’s reach into the cosmos, with APL positioning itself to help lead the way with stand-alone, rideshare, and constellation mission concepts.