ANNOUNCEMENT OF CUBESAT LAUNCH INITIATIVE
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) anticipates making launch opportunities for a limited number of CubeSats available to a variety of U.S. CubeSat developers. The CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) will provide or facilitate flight opportunities as secondary payloads on launches, as well as deployments from the International Space Station, currently planned for 2020-2023. CSLI is facilitating a limited number of opportunities for payloads on the Space Launch System (SLS) Artemis 2 mission targeted to launch in 2022.
More information about the CubeSat Launch Initiative, including previously selected Respondents, is available at: http://go.nasa.gov/CubeSat_initiative.
A CubeSat is a type of space research nanosatellite. The base CubeSat dimension is 10x10x11 centimeters (one "Cube" or "1U"). CubeSats supported by this Launch Initiative include volumes of 1U, 2U, 3U, 6U and 12U. CubeSats of 1U, 2U and 3U size typically have a mass of 1.33 kilograms per 1U Cube. A 6U CubeSat typically has a mass under 12 kg, and a 12U CubeSat typically has a mass under 20 kg. The final mass is dependent upon the selected dispenser.
NASA anticipates entering into one or more Agreements with selected Respondents ("Collaborators") to support the CubeSat Launch Initiative. Participation in the CubeSat Launch Initiative will be contingent upon selection by NASA and negotiation of an appropriate Agreement between NASA and the Collaborator.
Proposed CubeSat investigations must address an aspect of science, technology development, education, or operations encompassed by NASA's strategic goals and objectives as identified in the NASA Strategic Plan. CubeSats investigations proposed for the SLS Artemis 2 mission specifically must address lunar or Martian Strategic Knowledge Gaps identified by the agency, and priority will be given to those reducing risk for future deep-space human exploration missions. Knowledge and data gained from these payloads will be shared with NASA.
NASA will not transfer any funds to selected Collaborators under Agreements negotiated in response to this Announcement. Collaborators will be responsible for securing funding to support the development of their CubeSat payload and for all other costs incurred by the Collaborator to participate in the CubeSat Launch Initiative.
Anne E. Sweet, Launch Services Program Executive, Phone 202-358-3784, Email anne.sweet-1@nasa.gov - John Guidi, Deputy Director, Advanced Exploration Systems, Phone 202-358-1644, Email john.guidi@nasa.gov
