A specification for a class of nanosatellites using a standard unit size of 10x10x10 cm, known as 1U, with a mass up to 2 kg. CubeSats can be scaled to 1.5U, 2U, 3U, 6U, or 12U+ sizes. This standardization dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for space missions by enabling shared launch dispensers and a market for off-the-shelf components.




