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The term CubeSat (or U-class spacecraft) refers to a type of very small satellite made up of compatible standardized modular parts able to handle much of the necessary mechanism for satellite operation. A basic module is cube-shaped (10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm) and a satellite design may incorporate one or more of these. The concept offers considerable efficiency to the design and construction of such small satellites that have no unusual physical requirements. Most or all such satellites are for low Earth orbit (LEO). Among their uses are study of the Earth, study and monitoring of the Sun, and other astronomical research. An example is CubIXSS.