CubeSat

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A small spacecraft is known as a nanosatellite. One unit (1U) has dimensions of 10 by 10 by 11 centimeters. Small spacecraft have been built in various sizes including 1U, 1.5U, 2U, 3U and 6U configurations. In early October through February 2016, a series of six small spacecraft missions are scheduled for launch. These satellites were developed and implemented with funding from the Space Science Technology Program (SSTP). The satellites will demonstrate several technologies such as high-speed optical communications to increase downlink rates from small spacecraft, autonomous coordination among multiple small spacecraft, and formation flight and docking capabilities.