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A Stellar Experience: Small Satellite Conference 2024 Recap
NORTH AMERICA | 9 September 2024 | 8 min
The Small Satellite Conference, internationally recognized as the premier event in the field, serves as an excpeptional opportunity for the brightest minds in the small satellite community to review recent successes, explore new directions, and introduce emerging technologies in small spacecraft development. Since its inception in 1987 with the 1st Annual USU Conference on Small Satellites, the event has grown significantly, now celebrating its 38th year. The 2024 conference in Logan, Utah, was particularly notable, attracting over 4,000 attendees and 267 exhibitors, underscoring its status as a key industry gathering.
Edwards was proud to have participated as an exhibitor in this year's Small Satellite Conference, the third time since 2022. This year, the team got a booth in the centrally located Field House building on campus at USU, which was a prime location for extensive interaction with the attendees. Business Development Manager Cameron Murri and Territory Sales Manager Dominik Duchardt were key members of the Edwards team in attendance, both of whom spoke highly of the event for its excellent organization and inclusive atmosphere. The Edwards booth showcased an impressive display of their products. It included a hands-on bell jar vacuum chamber experience where visitors could observe marshmallows being degassed using the mXDS3 vacuum scroll pump. Other featured products included a cutout display of the nXDS scroll and nEXT85 turbomolecular pumps, the ELD 500 leak detector, the nXRi multi-stage roots pump, the TIC controller, and various vacuum gauges. Recognized by Cameron and Dominik as the best conference they have attended, the event emphasized open communication and a welcoming environment, making networking both easy and effective. Additionally, the Edwards team was happy to have their summer space tech marketing intern, Francesco Borgese, join them. Francesco, who is a sophomore majoring in aerospace engineering at the University at Buffalo, underscored the conference's commitment to inclusivity and educational opportunities.
Key Themes and Discussions
Automation in satellites and space exploration was a central theme at this year’s conference, while Edwards Vacuum focused on their Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) systems designed for space simulation testing. These systems are crucial for testing CubeSats, a small spacecraft initially developed for academic research and exploration. CubeSats are typically based on a 10 cm square cube form factor, known as a unit (U). Initially, CubeSats were composed of a single 1U cube, but in recent years, larger configurations such as 3U or 6U units have become more common. These larger CubeSats have gained popularity due to their ability to perform more complex scientific tasks at a lower cost, thanks to their increased volume, power, and overall capabilities.
Edwards Vacuum’s key theme at the conference was providing solutions for the challenges associated with TVAC systems, particularly as the industry shifts towards in-house testing. This shift is driven by the high costs and logistical challenges of outsourcing, as companies increasingly prioritize control over timelines and budgets. This trend aligns with the broader industry movement towards greater autonomy in satellite development and testing. The rapid growth in small satellite launches underscores the significance of this shift. In 2022 alone, 2,304 small satellites were launched worldwide, marking a 32.2 percent increase from the previous year. Small satellites, typically under 600 kilograms, have become a key component of space missions due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility, further highlighting the importance of reliable TVAC testing solutions.
Employee Insights: Cameron Murri
Cameron found the 2024 Small Satellite Conference to be an eye-opening experience, particularly in deepening his understanding of the specific needs of potential customers within the industry. His central insight was the growing demand for energy-efficient, low-cost thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) systems, especially for CubeSats. Cameron recognized the industry’s shift towards more cost-effective solutions and highlighted that understanding customer requirements is crucial. He learned that the high costs associated with outsourcing testing—ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 for a one- to two-week period, with daily expenses of around $5,000—drive many companies to consider moving testing in-house.
By quickly calculating the return on investment (ROI), Cameron realized that investing in an in-house small TVAC system from Edwards Vacuum could significantly reduce these outsourcing expenses, along with additional costs related to transportation and potential delays in launch dates. This insight is poised to shape the future direction of Edwards Vacuum as the company works to develop solutions that align with the industry's demand for more efficient and cost-effective testing systems.
Beyond the technical insights gained from the conference, Cameron greatly valued the lively atmosphere of the conference, recalling the social events where live music created a fun environment ideal for networking and relaxing with industry peers. These informal gatherings effortlessly blended business with camaraderie, making it easy to forge meaningful professional relationships. A particularly memorable moment for Cameron was a Sunday evening team hike, which provided a refreshing break from the conference and strengthened team bonds. Considering these experiences, Cameron noted, "It was the most memorable moment to enjoy the live band and build friendships, bonding over shared interests." These connections, he recognized, often lay the foundation for future collaborations, highlighting the importance of personal connections in the professional sphere.
Employee Insights: Dominik Duchardt
For Dominik, the 2024 Small Satellite Conference was valuable in his professional journey. He regarded it as the best trade show he had ever attended, primarily due to its exceptional organization and the wealth of opportunities for meaningful interactions. The conference expanded his understanding of the small satellite industry, exposing him to various technologies and their applications. One project that particularly fascinated him involved a professor researching how CubeSats could be used to grow plants in space, hinting at the exciting possibility of growing food in space to support future long-term missions.
Networking at the conference was another highlight for Dominik, with interactions feeling seamless and natural, even during social events. He appreciated how the event skillfully blended business with enjoyment, allowing him to gather valuable insights without the atmosphere feeling overly formal or task-driven. The sense of community the conference fostered left a lasting impression on him, as the unified experience made it easy to connect with others and build lasting professional relationships. Dominik left the meeting feeling energized and optimistic about the future, with a reinforced belief in the importance of attending such events to stay informed and engaged in the industry's growth.
Conference Wrap-Up
Overall, Cameron and Dominik found the Small Satellite Conference significant for the professional insights gained and the personal connections made. Their experiences highlighted the importance of balancing technical knowledge with human relationships in the ever-evolving satellite industry.
Cameron's key takeaway from the conference was a renewed appreciation for the human side of the industry. Reflecting on the experience, he was particularly struck by a quote from their intern, Francesco, who said, "At the end of the day, we're all just people." This simple yet profound observation encapsulated Cameron's entire conference experience, reminding him of the importance of personal connections in business. This perspective will continue to shape how he approaches future industry events and client relationships, focusing on the human element behind every professional interaction.