Small satellites are growing in popularity for many reasons. As a result, the search is on for more flexible and cost-effective small satellite launch solutions. Amongst all the researchers and small satellite enthusiasts at the recent 25th Annual AIAA/Utah State University Conference on Small Satellites, the only team that made a presentation focusing on commercial launch-related activities represented the Japanese government's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) - funded project known as the Air Launch System Enabling Technology R&D (ALSET) program. Read more