Cubesats are called nanosatellites because they are small satellites that typically have a standardized size of 10x10x10 cm, making them much smaller than traditional satellites. The prefix "nano" is used to denote something very small, hence the term nanosatellite.
Cubesats differ from traditional satellites in terms of size, weight, and cost. Traditional satellites can weigh thousands of kilograms and cost millions of dollars to build and launch, while Cubesats typically weigh only a few kilograms and are much cheaper to produce.
Cubesats are used for a variety of purposes, including scientific research, communication, and earth observation. They are also used for educational purposes, allowing students and universities to participate in space missions at a lower cost.
The lifespan of a Cubesat can vary depending on its orbit and the components used in its construction. On average, Cubesats can stay in orbit for 1-2 years, but some have been known to last for up to 10 years.
Cubesats are capable of performing many of the same tasks as traditional satellites, but on a smaller scale. They may have limitations in terms of data storage, processing power, and communication range, but they can still be used for various missions, such as collecting weather data or monitoring environmental changes.