Small Satellites for Earth System Observation are nowadays a key part of the critical space infrastructure and of the highest societal relevance. In addition, they are an important facilitator for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These missions can be conducted efficiently, provide increased opportunities for access to space and help to realize new capabilities and services. The design of such satellites, its bus and payload systems, cover a wide span: ranging from optimized off-the-shelf systems, with little or no requirements for new technologies, to innovative and tailored high-tech systems. Thus, new classes of advanced small satellites can be created – including autonomously operated satellites or employing onboard machine learning algorithms for increased agility or downlink efficiency, which render missions more efficient or open new areas of applications for science, industry, governments or the public. In addition, multi-satellite systems, such as constellations and formations, offer exciting opportunities for a new economy in space, when utilising small satellites. We are building this year’s edition on the success of past IAA Symposia, where authors from more than 35 countries, representing space agencies, industries, research institutes and academia, confirmed in their oral presentations and poster sessions that these missions can be conducted efficiently and offer opportunities for new applications and technological innovation. The venue, the Ludwig-Erhard-Haus, provides an inspiring environment, excellently suited to let us explore the latest developments in the field. We have an incredible line-up of speakers, who will share their expertise and insights. We encourage students to present their work. IAA is pleased to serve as the principal sponsor of this symposium because its objectives complement and re-enforce the purpose of the Academy.
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