miniaturized satellite - technical definition

A communications satellite that is considerably smaller and lighter than the geostationary satellites that weigh several tons. Smaller satellites are less costly to manufacture and deploy and can be piggybacked on rockets with the launch of larger satellites. Miniaturized satellites are designated by their maximum weight, as follows:

                             Approximate
                             Maximum Weight
  Type                       (pounds)

  minisatellite (minisat)    1,100
  microsatellite (microsat)    220
  nanosatellite (nanosat)       22
  picosatellite (picosat)        2.2