A defining feature of a standard CubeSat is its containerization—the shape, volume and design—which makes it rideshare-friendly. Containerization has ensured that CubeSats would not endanger the launch vehicle or primary payload on rideshare missions.

Without the need for rideshare, satellite design options can be expanded beyond the CubeSat. DiskSat is an alternate approach, providing the benefits of a small satellite—standardized launch interface, low launch costs, and simple mechanical design—with large aperture, surface areas that can be dedicated to large antennas or instruments that need exposure to space, and high power.