Small Satellites for Smart Operations. The Case for Polish Autonomous Space Capabilities

<ns3:p>Small satellites, here referred to as SmallSats, are revolutionizing how we approach space missions by providing cost-effective,flexible and innovative solutions to conduct space operations. Smart satellite formations, due to significant advancements in satellitetechnologies, improved mission resilience, and cost efficiency, as well as flexibility and scalability, became a promising solution fora wide range of current and future Space missions. In military domain, sensor-to-shooter satellites are providing disruptive militarytechnology, enabling rapid, precise, and flexible response capabilities. In this paper, it is asserted that, in the mid to long term, there is aneed to develop dual-use autonomous Polish capabilities in support of procured space assets operating in low Earth orbit, especially ataltitudes up to 800 km. Based on an analysis of trends in small satellites development and application as well as the advantages relatedto SmallSats formations, it is argued that these capability needs could be met by the use of smart SmallSats formations. Poland, as anemerging space nation, already has significant know-how, experience, expertise and Space heritage of hi-tech payloads to be used inbuilding effective SmallSats Space capabilities. The approach has already been implemented in R&amp;D project PIAST (Polish ImAgingSaTellites) expected to achieve initial comprehensive Space capability. For a variety of reasons, autonomous launch capability for at leastthe smallest satellites is recommended. It is also recommended to further investigate if satellite carriers could be used as Mother Shipsprepositioned in specified orbits and loaded with different SmallSats to be deployed in task force formations as needed. It is proposedthat some important challenges, such as broadband inter-satellite communication, be overcome through the connectivity with NATOand EU Space infrastructures. Likewise, other problems could be solved or leveraged by the use of advanced NATO and EU Space assets,along with carefully selected commercial services.</ns3:p>