Abstract

Satellite galaxies of the Milky Way (MW) have long provided stringent tests of cosmic reionization, cold dark matter, and the physics of galaxy formation on the smallest scales. However, there is growing evidence that the MW satellites may not be broadly representative. Specifically, I will describe how new understanding of our nearest neighbor M31 and its satellites raise questions about whether insights established in MW satellites are generally applicable to low-mass systems or stem from the specific accretion history of the MW. I will present early data from the ongoing 244 orbit Hubble Space Telescope Treasury program aimed at establishing the M31 ecosystem as the next frontier for low-mass galaxy studies. Finally, I will describe how our Early Release Science program will establish JWST as the leader in low-mass galaxy studies throughout the Local Volume.