What are CubeSats?
CubeSats are miniaturized satellites designed for use in conjunction with educational projects. The project follows standards created by California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and Stanford University's Space Systems Development Lab in 1999. This standard allows for frequent and affordable access to space. The basic CubeSat is a 10X10X10 cm cube often referenced as a "1U" CubeSat. The CubeSat can be extended by added 1U increments to one axis.
Why Build CubeSats?
The CubeSat specifications were developed in the interest of helping universities worldwide to accomplish space exploration. Because of the standardized design requirements and simplification of the satellites infrastructure, the pico-satellite can be manufactured and launched for a relatively small price tag compared to a satellite. Due to all CubeSats being 10X10X10 cm, regardless of additional units, they can all be launched and deployed using a common system. This allows universities and commercial companies to focus on innovative ideas and performance rather than expenses.