CubeSats drive commercial space race CubeSats are ultra-small spacecraft weighing 1.3kg or less. Most CubeSats piggyback to orbit on big, expensive rockets – but affordable rocket technology is launching a new generation of space start-ups NLAS (Nanosatellite Launch Adapter System) P-Pod (Poly Picosat Orbital deployer) P-Pod typically contains three CubeSat units Standard format structure CubeSat Dipole antenna system. Each antenna unfolds up to 55cm in length Solar panel Payload Electrical power system UHF/VHF radio Flight control computer 10cm 10cm 10cm Basic unit (1U) Can be joined to form larger units (2U, 6U, 24U etc.) 1U weight: 1.33kg Sources: Rocket Lab, California Polytechnic State University © GRAPHIC NEWS