Despite growing worldwide interest in small satellites, launch costs continue to hinder the full exploitation of small satellite technology. In the United States, the Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, other government agencies, commercial companies, and many universities use small satellites to perform space experiments, demonstrate new technology, and test operational prototype hardware. In addition, the DoD continues to study the role of small satellites in fulfilling operational mission

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... irements. However, US government agencies are restricted to the use of US launch vehicles, which eliminates many affordable launch opportunities. Additionally, many small satellite users are faced with shrinking budgets, which limits the