Inactive

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) anticipates making launch opportunities available for a limited number of CubeSats to a variety of ... The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) anticipates making launch opportunities available for a limited number of CubeSats to a variety of U.S. CubeSat developers. The CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) will provide or facilitate flight opportunities to low-Earth orbit (LEO) currently planned for 2024-2027. A CubeSat is a type of space research nanosatellite. The base CubeSat dimension is approximately 10x10x11 centimeters (one “Unit” or “1U”). CubeSats supported by this Launch Initiative include volumes of only 1U, 2U, 3U, 6U and 12U or volumes that add up to these specified dimensions. 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 24 kg. The final allowable mass is dependent upon the selected dispenser and the launch vehicle environment. CSLI will not select any CubeSat missions proposing to deploy or release parts that are smaller than 1U in size due to trackability, space situational awareness or orbital debris concerns. NASA anticipates entering into one or more Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with selected Respondents (“Collaborators”) to support the CSLI. Participation in this Launch Initiative will be contingent upon selection by NASA and, for those entities external to NASA, an appropriate non-reimbursable CRADA containing standard terms and conditions for all CSLI Collaborators. In an effort to maintain uniformity amongst all CSLI Collaborators, NASA will not entertain or make changes to the standard terms and conditions outline by the agreement. The standard CRADA is posted on https://www.nasa.gov/content/cubesat-launch-initiative-resources. Proposed CubeSat investigations must address an aspect of Education, Science, or Technology Development/Demonstration encompassed by NASA’s strategic goals and objectives as identified in the NASA 2022 Strategic Plan and other NASA strategic documents. Knowledge and data gained from these payloads will be shared with NASA. NASA will not transfer any funds to selected Collaborators under agreements established in response to this Announcement. Collaborators will be responsible for securing funding to support the development of their CubeSat payload, and for any and all other costs incurred by the Collaborator to participate in the CSLI. More information about the CubeSat Launch Initiative, including previously selected Respondents and valuable reference material such as CubeSat 101: Basic Concepts and Processes for First-Time CubeSat Developers, lessons learned, and frequently asked questions is available at: http://go.nasa.gov/CubeSat_initiative.