USU SmallSat Conference Honored by SpaceNews

Utah State University’s Small Satellite Conference was recently honored with the SpaceNews 2023 Icon Award for Unsung Hero.

The annual Conference on Small Satellites, colloquially referred to as SmallSat, is held every August for a week on USU’s campus in Logan, Utah. SmallSat began in 1987 as a small gathering of university professors seeking affordable ways to augment aerospace engineering education through the creation of miniature satellites.

From its humble beginnings, SmallSat has blossomed into a significant event, drawing 3,700 participants in 2023. Attendees, ranging from military officers and industry professionals to professors and students, engage in discussions on various aspects of small satellites, from new, cutting-edge technologies to the many applications that these miniature spacecraft enable. These discussions take place on campus throughout a week packed with technical and networking events. The vibrant interaction is a hallmark of the conference, said Pat Patterson, SmallSat chair and advanced concepts director at USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory, in an interview with SpaceNews. Patterson noted the emphasis on promoting interaction among conference participants, a trait that has been integral to SmallSat’s identity from the start.

The conference has stayed true to its academic roots and spirit of collaboration over the years. The conference features poster sessions where researchers showcase their work and a student competition that provides awards for innovative satellite concepts, research, and missions.

SmallSat’s approach to fostering a community-driven event is evident in the layout of the exhibit halls, where exhibitors are offered the same exhibit space size regardless of the organization’s size. This practice ensures that smaller organizations have as much opportunity to showcase their products as larger organizations, maintaining a level playing field and promoting inclusivity.

Despite its significant growth, the conference has remained in Logan, a decision driven by the desire to preserve its character and manage costs. Patterson, who attended the first SmallSat conference and now leads it, underscored the importance of keeping the conference in Logan to maintain its unique environment and avoid the cost escalation associated with larger venues.

SmallSat’s success is a collaborative effort, with Patterson attributing much of it to SmallSat committee members, staff, and volunteers who evaluate hundreds of proposals for technical sessions, talks, and poster sessions. Looking ahead to 2024, the conference is expected to attract even more attendees, further solidifying its position as a pivotal event in the space industry.

SmallSat is hosted by USU and managed by the Space Dynamics Laboratory. SpaceNews is the media partner for the conference.

For more information about SmallSat, visit https://smallsat.org/.

To read more about the 2023 SpaceNews Icon Awards, visit https://spacenews.com/the-2023-spacenews-icon-awards-winners/.