Article

On December 18, 2025, NASA and The Aerospace Corporation launched four DiskSats into orbit, demonstrating a new thin, flat spacecraft design. This launch aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket confirmed the design's functionality in space.

DiskSat, which is one inch thick and one meter across, aims to optimize deployment and power generation without mechanical complexity. The mission focuses on monitoring the spacecraft's performance and utilizing electric propulsion for orbital adjustments.

DiskSat is not a CubeSat replacement but addresses specific limitations in power generation for high-demand missions. The mission is seen as a learning opportunity for future satellite designs.