So, smaller satellites are very important to reduce the risk due to loss of function of big satellites. Most proposals in this announcement opportunity were from universities and research institutes. So, potential users of piggy back satellites are members of universities and research institutes at this stage. In the near future, this type of satellite will be further used for various fields of space applications if smaller satellite subsystems and components with higher performance are available at a lower cost. Mission objectives of MDS-1 are to verify the function of commercial parts in orbit, to verify minimization technology for components and to measure space environment data such as radiation.
Formation flight is also important in some earth observation applications.
Data collection system is also an important mission to get data concerning environment of ocean and land and life of the Earth using a data collection platform and this can be realized by using small satellites.