NASA is continually trying to reach the farthest parts of the galaxy, and it believes that the best way to do that is via small-scale satellites called CubeSats, according to the Daily Mail.
CubeSats are miniature satellites that are typically sized around four inches on each side and weigh about three pounds. The idea behind them is to provide NASA with a cost effective and time saving way to view space and explore other planets for life. They are also an alternative to building massive telescopes that will ultimately have limited viewing potential.
The small satellites are estimated to cost around $10,000 to make and another $40,000 to $100,000 to launch.
Four of the small satellites will launch this month and transmit data from space at about 200mbps (megabits per second) via laser beams, India Today reported.
Before they venture into possible deep space, however, the probes will orbit around the Earth to test their functionality.
The four CubeSats will have radars and sensors that could potentially help scientists back on Earth perfect scientific methods used on missions, according to Tech Times.
"Most Earth science phenomena measurements can be improved by sustained observations with increased spatial and temporal resolution," NASA JPL's Charles Norton said.
