Navigating SmallSat Development: Where to Begin and What to Expect

This is a summarized version of a tutorial given at the 2019 NASA SmallSat Technical Interchange Meeting providing an experienced-based overview, suggestions, and guidance for SmallSat development focused on new investigators. Topics addressed include the basics of SmallSats, Mission Formulation, Realities of Flight Development, Access to Space, Mission Operations, and Remarks on the Future Directions of SmallSat Science and Technology Missions.