2026 Theme

The Clouds Above the Clouds

Celebrating 40 Years of Collaboration

Over the past four decades, the small satellite community has transformed from a dedicated few pioneers working on shoestring budgets into a global ecosystem of commercial, government, and academic innovators. This community of collaborators has solved some of the space industry’s most complex challenges, redefining what’s possible in space.

Today’s satellite constellations—systems of systems composed of hundreds or even thousands of satellites—collect, process, and deliver unprecedented amounts of data with latencies measured in milliseconds. High-speed space networking, edge processing, optimized ground infrastructure, and increased launch opportunities form the foundation of this new era. These “clouds above the clouds” power critical missions in navigation, Earth and space observation, communications, and beyond.

The 40th Annual Small Satellite Conference will spotlight the technologies driving constellation success and celebrate the thousands of people whose vision and collaboration have propelled the industry forward over the past four decades. Join us as we celebrate the past, examine the present, and shape the future of small satellites.