Small sats and CubeSats are proving to be very useful for in-orbit demonstration as well as dedicated space missions. Supporting their development ESA encourage a new approach to spacecraft integration and highlights an affordable way to deploy small payloads.
The ideal place to test new space technologies is actually in space.
For some technologies and techniques and some new applications, it is deemed necessary to complete the development cycle going up to in-orbit demonstration (corresponding to the topmost Technology Readiness Level 9). Also new practices, techniques and tools for design, development, verification and mission operations need to be exercised in small, yet representative, missions to orbit. To reach this goal, ESA has been developing small satellite In-Orbit Demonstration missions since the turn of the century, supplemented byCubeSat missions since 2013. These are funded under the In-Orbit Demonstration part (Fly Element) or specific component of the General Support Technology Programme (GSTP). Please find here more information on ESA's in orbit demonstrations.
CubeSats also bring great versatility to space exploration and are helping discover new knowledge in our Solar System, as demonstrated by the Hera Mission (which will fly with two CubeSats onboard). Please find here a list of all our technology driven cubesat and small sats.