#### 80000Question: A cubesat with 6 distinct sensors is to be equipped with 4 different types of instruments. How many distinct configurations are possible if each instrument type must be used at least once?

Sat, 02 May 2026 14:33:33 +0000

### The Growing Role of Cubesats in Space Innovation Space exploration is shifting from monumental agencies to compact, agile platforms—cubesats leading this transformation. With advancements in miniaturization, scientists and engineers now design missions deploying six distinct sensors aboard small, modular satellites. These devices enable targeted data collection across Earth observation, communications, and scientific research—proving that size no longer limits impact. The challenge grows more intriguing: how many unique ways can four different instrument types be assigned to six sensors when each type must be used at least once? This question bridges technical precision with broader space innovation trends, relevant to audiences invested in satellite technology, STEM trends, and emerging space applications. ### Why This Question Matters in U.S. Tech and Science Circles Today’s space community thrives on efficiency and precision—cubesats exemplify these values by delivering high utility in compact form. The concept of assigning multiple unique instruments to sensors has gained momentum as universities, startups, and government labs push for specialized, cost-effective missions. Recent coverage in aerospace journals and tech blogs shows increasing interest in modular instrumentation, reflecting a broader trend toward adaptable, scalable satellite systems. For U.S.-based readers interested in emerging space tech, understanding the combinatorial logic behind these configurations reveals both innovation depth and real-world application complexity.