The Aerospace Corporation promotes DiskSat satellite technology

The Aerospace Corporation is promoting the commercial adoption of its DiskSat technology, a wafer-like satellite architecture designed for very low Earth orbit. The design features a flat, saucer-shaped profile, measuring approximately 1 meter in diameter and only 2.5 centimeters in height, which departs from traditional cubic small-satellite configurations.

This stackable design aims to maximize launch efficiency by allowing multiple units to be packed into a single rocket fairing, thereby improving launch economics. Following a successful demonstration mission in December involving four DiskSats launched via a Rocket Lab Electron rocket for the U.S. Space Force, the technology has proven its capability to manage 100 watts of peak power in orbit.

Three initial commercial partners have already signed licensing agreements to utilize the architecture, signaling a shift toward high-rate production and integrated launch paradigms for modern satellite operators.