About the 4S Symposium
The 4S Symposium (Small Satellites Systems and Services) began in the 1990s as a platform to explore the emerging potential of small satellites. Initially focused on satellite design and engineering, it has grown into a leading international event held biennially, covering a broad range of topics including mission applications, advanced technologies, and commercial services. The symposium brings together experts from industry, academia, and space agencies to share insights, present innovations, and foster collaboration through presentations, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. Over the decades, 4S has played a key role in shaping the development and adoption of small satellite systems worldwide.
Each year the 4S address a special theme, this year we will discuss “Swarming the Skies, Soaring Beyond: from VLEO to Deep Space”, over the last two decades we address the following themes.
4S Symposium History
The 4S Symposium (Small Satellites Systems and Services) began in the 1990s as a platform to explore the emerging potential of small satellites. Initially focused on satellite design and engineering, it has grown into a leading international event held biennially, covering a broad range of topics including mission applications, advanced technologies, and commercial services. The symposium brings together experts from industry, academia, and space agencies to share insights, present innovations, and foster collaboration through presentations, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. Over the decades, 4S has played a key role in shaping the development and adoption of small satellite systems worldwide.
Each year the 4S address a special theme, this year we will discuss “Swarming the Skies, Soaring Beyond: from VLEO to Deep Space”, over the last two decades we address the following themes.
4S Symposium History
| Year | Location | Theme |
| 2026 | Sardinia, Italy | Swarming the Skies, Soaring Beyond: from VLEO to Deep Space |
| 2024 | Palma de Mallorca, Spain | Space Transformation |
| 2022 | Vilamoura, Portugal | Information Made in Space |
| 2018 | Sorrento, Italy | Beyond Boundaries |
| 2016 | Valletta, Malta | Small Satellites go Viral! |
| 2014 | Majorca, Spain | Dynamic Small Satellites in a Dynamic Economy |
| 2012 | Portoroz, Slovenia | Small Satellites, Big Systems |
| 2010 | Madeira, Portugal | Small Satellites and the Knowledge-Based Society |
| 2008 | Rhodes, Greece | International Cooperation |
| 2006 | Sardinia, Italy | Small Sat: Precursors and Gap filler |
| 2004 | La Rochelle, France | COTS a “De Facto” Standard |
| 2002 | - | |
| 2000 | La Baule, France | - |