SmallSat Conference 2025: Salt Lake City's Global Launchpad for Small Satellite Innovation

Salt Lake City, Utah – August 20, 2025 — The 39th Annual Small Satellite Conference concluded just one week ago at the Salt Palace Convention Center, drawing together over 3,500 space professionals from government, academia, and industry. Hosted from August 10–13, this year's conference maintained its legacy as the premier forum for small satellite technology, with the theme “Reaching New Horizons.” Highlights included in-depth technical sessions, vibrant exhibits, the PI Mission Forum, and the SDL Technical Workshop, all spotlighting the convergence of innovation, autonomy, and cross-sector collaboration in space.

Emerging Leaders in Small Satellite Tech: Companies to Watch

Within the fast-evolving landscape of space, several companies are proving themselves as particularly influential and forward-looking. Here’s a curated look at the most relevant and promising:

1. UniBap AB (Sweden)

UniBap specializes in onboard edge computing with its SpaceCloud platforms (iX5, iX10). These radiation-hardened systems enable satellites to perform AI-driven analytics, compression, and autonomous operations directly in orbit—minimizing data transmission needs and enhancing mission responsiveness. UniBap’s hardware has amassed over 3,000 cumulative days in orbit without failure, establishing a strong track record of reliability.

2. Albedo Space (USA)

Based in Colorado, Albedo Space is developing Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellites designed for 10-centimeter resolution Earth imaging. Its first satellite, Clarity-1, launched in March 2025, with a full constellation of 24 satellites planned. Their ultra-high-resolution imagery serves both commercial and government intelligence needs.

3. Pixxel (India / USA)

Pixxel is building India’s first private hyperspectral imaging satellite constellation. With strong funding backing ($95 million to date) and major clients including BP and the Indian Agriculture Ministry, Pixxel’s upcoming launches will capture detailed Earth insights across multiple industries. 

4. WISeSat.Space (Switzerland / U.S.)

A JV between cybersecurity giant WISeKey and SEALSQ, WISeSat.Space is deploying a 100-satellite constellation (over 25 already in orbit) designed for secure, encrypted IoT and D2D communications. Built with post-quantum encryption, this scalable infrastructure aims to bolster digital sovereignty and global connectivity.

5. E-Space (France / USA)

Founded by OneWeb co-founder Greg Wyler, E-Space creates satellites explicitly engineered to clean up orbital debris while servicing communications needs. Their resilient constellation design aims to mitigate collision risks and support responsible space operations.

6. EnduroSat (Bulgaria)

A CubeSat developer offering modular frames, communication systems, and inter-satellite connectivity solutions. EnduroSat is recognized among the top five emerging smallsat startups and serves both commercial and scientific applications. 

7. Aurora Propulsion Technologies (Finland)

Pioneering water-based propulsion systems for small spacecraft, their technology includes thrusters for attitude control, maneuvering, and safe deorbiting via plasma brake systems.

8. Kepler Communications (Canada)

Developing a LEO nanosatellite constellation offering reconfigurable telecom services via software-defined radios—enabling dynamic bandwidth, data rates, and frequency adjustments tailored to mission needs.

9. Analytical Space (USA)

Creators of FastPixel, a satellite relay network using CubeSats equipped with hybrid RF-laser link technology to significantly boost data throughput for remote sensing missions.

10. Orbex (UK)

Working on a biopropane-fueled microlauncher, Orbex offers environmentally friendly, lightweight orbital launch options for small satellites, incorporating advanced materials and 3D-printed engines. 

Why These Innovators Matter

• Technological Edge: From edge AI (UniBap) to ultra-high-res imagery (Albedo, Pixxel) and sustainable propulsion (Aurora).

• Diverse Focus Areas: Communication (Kepler), data transfer (Analytical Space), cybersecurity (WISeSat.Space), debris cleanup (E-Space), and launch independence (Orbex).

• Global Reach: These firms span innovation hubs across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.

They embody the future of smallsat technology across autonomy, sustainability, commercialization, and resilience.

Launching into the Future

SmallSat Conference 2025 reaffirmed the small satellite sector’s dramatic transformation—from hardware miniaturization to embedding intelligence and autonomy on orbit.
Companies such as UniBap, Albedo, Pixxel, and WISeSat.Space are not just participants—they’re visionaries shaping what tomorrow’s satellites can do.

What's next in Space?

The Space Week, but... a very special one: the CuriosityStream Space Week! From September 18th to 28th. Explore the Cosmos from your Couch.