With advancements in CubeSat technologies and low - cost launch opportunities , CubeSats could play a role in meeting NASA ’s key Earth science measurement objectives , especially in extreme weather and ecosystem processes . In this paper , we discuss the development of “ science grade ” hyperspectral imager , microwave spectrometer , IR sounder , and Ka - band radar instruments at JPL . They are scheduled to launch in early to late 2018 while the hyperspectral imager is being developed for airborne flights and for space in the future . The limitations in power , mass , and volume imposed by the CubeSat platform required the identification of new technologies in order to miniaturize instruments into a specific form factor . In conclusion , we will summarize strategies to implement small and low - cost instruments and suggest an architecture for enabling a constellation of U - class instruments .