The second concern is that small satellites can reduce launch requirements. Small satellites may enable a country that would otherwise be unable to launch a satellite to do so, because a smaller rocket launcher could be used. However, the significance of this possibility should not be exaggerated. Given that a number of countries are already providing commercial launch services, and the competition among these launch providers, most countries should have little difficulty finding a launcher for any "legitimate" satellite (that is, not an ASAT). This route is likely to be significantly cheaper than developing its own launcher. Thus to the extent that small satellites may make launching satellites easier, it could affect the possible development of ASATs.

---

Lewis, Leo and Phillip E. Coyle. Ensuring America's Space Security. Washington, D.C.: Federation of American Scientists, September 2004. [ 7 quotes ] [ page 17 ]