On the Verge of an Astronomy CubeSat Revolution

TL;DR

CubeSats are emerging as a cost-effective, versatile platform for space-based astronomy, enabling unique observations in wavelengths and durations not feasible with traditional large telescopes.

Contribution

This paper highlights the potential of CubeSats to revolutionize astronomical research by filling key observational gaps and complementing large space telescopes.

Findings

CubeSats can monitor sources for weeks or months.

They enable observations in UV, far-IR, and low-frequency radio.

Technological advances are making high-impact astronomy with CubeSats feasible.

Abstract

CubeSats are small satellites built in standard sizes and form factors, which have been growing in popularity but have thus far been largely ignored within the field of astronomy. When deployed as space-based telescopes, they enable science experiments not possible with existing or planned large space missions, filling several key gaps in astronomical research. Unlike expensive and highly sought-after space telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), whose time must be shared among many instruments and science programs, CubeSats can monitor sources for weeks or months at time, and at wavelengths not accessible from the ground such as the ultraviolet (UV), far-infrared (far-IR) and low-frequency radio. Science cases for CubeSats being developed now include a wide variety of astrophysical experiments, including exoplanets, stars, black holes and radio transients. Achieving high-impact astronomical research with CubeSats is becoming increasingly feasible with advances in technologies such as precision pointing, compact sensitive detectors, and the miniaturisation of propulsion systems if needed. CubeSats may also pair with the large space- and ground-based telescopes to provide complementary data to better explain the physical processes observed.