As a recent report from the National Academy of Sciences highlights, these satellites hold tremendous potential for making satellite-based science more accessible than ever before.

As an organization of volunteers, AMSAT was putting "amateur" satellites in orbit decades before the current Cube Sat craze.

But over the past few decades a unique class of satellites has been created that fits the bill: CubeSats.

However, they're more cautious about sharing information with nonmembers, as the organization guards against others developing the ability to hiJack and take control of their satellites.

Just like drones before them, miniature satellites are beginning to fundamentally transform our conceptions of who gets to do what up above our heads.

Officials at the White House announced a new space policy focused on managing the increasing number of satellites that companies and governments are launching into space.

One impetus for the policy is that companies are already starting to build massive constellations, comprising hundreds or thousands of satellites with many moving parts among them.

Satellites used to be the exclusive playthings of rich governments and wealthy corporations.

Space, especially the space directly around our planet, is getting more crowded as more governments and companies launch satellites.

The department will make sure that newly launched satellites don't use radio frequencies that would interfere with existing satellites, and schedule when such new satellites can be launched.

Two or more satellites slamming into each other could create many more out-of-control bits that would pose even more hazards to the growing collection of satellites in space.

within their compact bodies these minute satellites are able to house sensors and communications receivers/ transmitters that enable operators to study Earth from space, as well as space around Earth.

Yet as LEO opens up to more amateur satellites, they may pose an increasing threat.