On December 18, 2025, Rocket Lab successfully launched a new and innovative type of satellite for the U.S. Space Force— the experimental “DiskSats.” This marks a significant step in space exploration technology, with NASA’s involvement in the development of these unique spacecraft. Unlike traditional boxy cubesats, DiskSats are designed to maximize power, surface area, and efficiency in space missions. With their distinctive shape and capabilities, they could transform how small spacecraft are used in various missions, from Earth observation to advanced scientific research.
The Revolutionary “DiskSat” Design
The “DiskSat” concept, developed by The Aerospace Corporation with support from NASA, introduces a novel design that stands apart from conventional satellite shapes. Unlike typical cubesats, which are usually compact, box-shaped, and limited by their surface area, DiskSats are 40 inches wide and just 1 inch thick. This unusual configuration allows for greater surface area and more power, making them highly suitable for complex space missions. As NASA officials explained, this new design
“could offer more power and surface area for instruments, providing more opportunities for NASA to expand upon target mission objectives for small spacecraft.”
The streamlined design of the DiskSat opens the door for more versatile and efficient satellite deployments, particularly for missions involving small spacecraft.
How DiskSats Enhance Space Missions
The ability of DiskSats to provide more surface area and power is crucial when considering their use for NASA’s future missions. The design promises more space for scientific instruments, which could lead to enhanced data collection and more robust mission goals. For example, the added power and space might enable satellites to carry out more complex observations or even more diverse scientific experiments while in orbit. Given NASA’s continuous push to develop new technologies for space exploration, the introduction of DiskSats could play a pivotal role in expanding mission objectives. This could prove essential for missions that require high-performance data and extensive instrument capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what small satellites can accomplish.
Efficiency in Low Earth Orbit
One of the most compelling advantages of the DiskSat design is its ability to reduce drag. By having one face continuously pointing towards the Earth, DiskSats experience significantly less drag compared to traditional satellites. This characteristic makes them ideal candidates for missions that require low-altitude orbits, such as Earth observation. According to NASA, the DiskSat’s design “can also have a very low drag, making them capable of very-low-altitude missions (less than 300 kilometers or 185 miles) such as those necessary for some Earth-observation missions.” Such missions could provide NASA with more precise and detailed data from near-Earth orbits, potentially transforming how we observe and understand our planet from space.
Implications for Earth-Observation Missions
The DiskSat’s ability to fly in very-low-altitude orbits offers significant potential for Earth observation. Traditional satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) are typically used for a wide range of Earth-monitoring tasks, from climate studies to disaster response. DiskSats, with their reduced drag and enhanced capabilities, could extend the utility of such missions by providing more frequent and precise data. For example, their low-altitude capability allows for higher-resolution imagery and more detailed atmospheric measurements, which could be vital for monitoring environmental changes or assessing natural disasters. As NASA has emphasized, this makes DiskSats particularly well-suited for missions that require detailed, near-real-time Earth data.
The Military Application: U.S. Space Force’s Vision
The U.S. Space Force’s interest in the DiskSat technology is tied to its goal of strengthening military capabilities in space. Small satellites like the DiskSat offer the potential for rapid deployment and flexibility in a variety of missions, including communications, reconnaissance, and Earth monitoring. For the Space Force, this means having more adaptable and effective tools to enhance national security operations. The use of small, efficient satellites like the DiskSat could enable quicker, more responsive operations in space, whether for tactical applications or strategic defense initiatives. With the successful launch of these four DiskSats, the Space Force is now one step closer to fully integrating this cutting-edge technology into its space infrastructure.