Timeline
DARPA initiated a microsatellite program featuring extremely small microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) radio frequency (RF) switches. The first picosat mission, launched on Jan. 26, 2000, demonstrated MEMS RF switches operating on a pair of tethered satellites, each one weighing just over one pound.
The program demonstrated how constellations of small satellites could work together in the future with dramatically reduced size and power requirements.
Redefining Possible
Since 1958, DARPA has been an engine of innovation serving national defense and the U.S. warfighter.