Nanosatellites and CubeSats
Nanosatellites
SFL designs, builds and operates nanosatellites that range in size from 3 to 24 kg and carry a payload mass up to 15 kg. At an ultra-low cost, these missions successfully serve a variety of scientific research needs, such as space astronomy, maritime monitoring and tracking, and technology demonstration.
![aissat-1](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/nanosatellites.webp)
AISSat-1
SELECT NANOSATELLITE MISSIONS
AISSat-1
![aissat-1 select](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/aissat-1Select.webp)
Norwegian ship tracking satellite.
AISSat-2
![aissat-2 select](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/aissat2Select.webp)
The 2nd Norwegian ship tracking satellite.
EV9
![ev9 select](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/ev9Select.webp)
exactEarth’s advanced ship tracking satellite at the equator.
CanX-6/NTS
![nts select](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/ntsSelect.webp)
Nanosatellite Tracking of Ships with AIS.
BRITE-Constellation
![brite constellation select](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/BriteConstellationSelect.webp)
Canada’s addition to BRITE-Constellation.
CanX-4/CanX-5
![canx-4 and canx-5 select](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/canx-4Canx5Select.webp)
Canada’s formation flying demonstration.
CubeSats
SFL develops CubeSats to explore the use of novel technologies. Our CubeSats are based on nanosatellite platforms THUNDER (3U), SPARTAN (6U), and JAEGER (12U/16U). Depending on the platform, the CubeSat can be as small as a milk carton and carry a payload mass of 3-6 kg, or larger CubeSats carry up to 24 kg. SFL adapts heritage avionics and attitude control to support data services, science and technology demonstration missions, ranging from communication services to demonstrating ground-breaking drag-sail deorbiting technology.
By maintaining strict industry standards, SFL CubeSats are fully compliant and compatible with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) deployers from any supplier, which helps reduce cost. Depending on the platform size, CubeSats can carry payloads up to 15 kg.
CubeSat Missions:
- Kepler Communications
- CanX-2
- CanX-7
![cube sats](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/cubeSats.webp)
CanX-7
SELECT CUBESAT MISSIONS
Kepler Communications
![kepler contellation](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/keplerSelect.webp)
Commercial communication satellite constellation.
CanX-2
![CanX-2](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/canX2Select.webp)
Canada’s smallest operational satellite.
CanX-7
![CanX-7](https://www.utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/canx-7Select.webp)
CanX-7 aircraft monitoring, deorbit demo satellite.