New technologies, equipment and materials must be thoroughly tested and flight qualified before they are used in real satellites. For this purpose small experimental satellites are frequently used since they are low-mass, relatively cheap to build and can be launched as ‘piggy-back’ accompanying a larger primary payload into orbit. ISS-Reshetnev Company has the expertise necessary to design and manufacture this type of satellites.
To develop small experimental satellites, ISS-Reshetnev works jointly with other companies, scientific institutions and universities. Thus, projects of this type help solve not only scientific, technological and experimental issues, but also achieve educational goals as well. Participating in experimental missions, students get hands-on experience covering many areas from satellite design to satellite in‑orbit control operations. This educational method is called ‘project-oriented education technology’ while satellites that are joint efforts between companies and universities are usually referred to as ‘student satellites’.