What is DiskSat technology?

DiskSat technology refers to pancake-shaped spacecraft that are 2.5 centimeters thick with a one-meter diameter, designed for space missions.

Which companies are licensing DiskSat technology?

Orbotic Systems, a startup focused on space debris remediation, and Satylt, an edge computing startup, have signed the first commercial licensing agreements for DiskSat technology.

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DiskSats launch: A new era for space tech

Q: What are the planned uses for DiskSats?

DiskSats are planned for space weather observations, autonomous operations, in-orbit data processing, and distributed spacecraft coordination, with potential for very low Earth orbit operations.

10 Feb

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Summary

Pancake-shaped DiskSats are now in orbit.
Two startups license DiskSat technology for new missions.
DiskSats can operate at very low Earth orbit altitudes.

DiskSats launch: A new era for space tech

The Aerospace Corp. is disseminating its innovative DiskSat technology, with the initial four flat spacecraft currently undergoing commissioning. Commercial licensing agreements have been secured by Orbotic Systems and Satylt, marking a significant step in sharing this unique technology.

Orbotic Systems intends to deploy DiskSats in very low Earth orbit for space weather observations using its WIND sensor. CEO Erik Long announced plans to offer DiskSat as a Service (DaaS). Satylt, meanwhile, is collaborating with Aerospace to explore autonomous operations, in-orbit data processing, and distributed spacecraft coordination.

These DiskSats, each 2.5 centimeters thick with a one-meter diameter, were launched in December on a Rocket Lab Electron for the U.S. Space Force Space Test Program. The program aims to characterize the bus performance, demonstrate power generation, and evaluate communications and environmental-sensing payloads. The custom-built dispenser for the DiskSats functioned precisely as planned during deployment.