How heavy is a satellite? - Illustration

2017-04-12 - Chart of the approximate weight of satellites launched into space, according to their category. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)

The title of this infographic is How Heavy is a Satellite? It features five categories of satellites according to their weight.

First category: large satellite, featuring an image of RADARSAT-2 as an example. Large satellites weigh over 1,000 kilograms. An illustration of a rhino is shown for comparison purposes.

Second category: medium satellite, featuring an image of CASSIOPE as an example. Medium satellites weigh between 500 kilograms and 1,000 kilograms. An illustration of a buffalo is shown for comparison purposes.

Third category: mini satellite, featuring an image of SCISAT as an example. Mini satellites weigh between 100 kilograms and 350 kilograms. An illustration of a lion is shown for comparison purposes.

Fourth category: microsatellite, featuring an image of M3MSat as an example. Microsatellites weigh between 10 kilograms and 100 kilograms. An illustration of a wolf is shown for comparison purposes.

Fifth category: nanosatellite, including the CubeSat, featuring an image of the Ex-Alta 1 CubeSat. Nanosatellites weigh between 1 kilogram and 10 kilograms. An illustration of a raccoon is shown for comparison purposes. CubeSats weigh 1 kilogram per unit. An illustration of a duck is shown for comparison purposes.

Note: These weights are approximations.