Overview

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A 2020s CubeSat/SmallSat astronomical telescope revolution could evolve small space telescopes from their current nascent state, to becoming a major contributor to astronomical research, similar to the evolution of small ground telescopes. The same inclusive community of practice facilitated process that resulted in small ground robotic telescopes becoming full research partners could be emulated in the development of small space telescopes. The ground-breaking ASTERIA, SPARCS, and CUTE CubeSat telescopes are pointing the way. Three programs that could enhance this evolutionary process: (1) developing UV and IR CubeSat autonomous telescope constellations for astronomical research, (2) advancing CubeSat telescope technology, and (3) nurturing an inclusive and supportive CubeSat telescope community of practice. By the end of the decade, fleets of CubeSat/SmallSat telescopes could open up the direct use of space telescopes for astronomical research to a large number of professional astronomers and their graduate students, undergraduate and high school student, and citizen scientists