NASA Announces Next Opportunity for Cubesat Space Missions
WASHINGTON -- NASA has announced a second opportunity for small
satellite payloads to fly on rockets planned to launch in 2011 and
2012. These CubeSats could be auxiliary cargo on previously planned
missions.
CubeSats are a class of research spacecraft called nanosatellites. The
cube-shaped satellites are approximately four inches long, have a
volume of about one quart and weigh less than 2.2 pounds.
CubeSat investigations should be consistent with NASA's Strategic Plan
or the Education Strategic Coordination Framework. The research
should address aspects of science, exploration, technology
development, education or operations.
Applicants must submit proposals electronically by 4:30 p.m. EST, Nov.
15. NASA will select the payloads by Jan. 31, 2011, but selection
does not guarantee a launch opportunity. Collaborators may be
required to provide partial reimbursement of approximately $30,000
per CubeSat. NASA will not provide funding for the development of the small satellites.
NASA recently announced the results from the first round of the
CubeSat Launch Initiative. Twelve payloads have made the short-list
for launch opportunities in 2011 and 2012. They are eligible for
launch pending an appropriate opportunity and final negotiations. The
satellites come from 10 states: Alabama, Alaska, California,
Colorado, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Utah and Vermont.
For additional information on NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative program, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/
For more information on NASA's Strategic Plan, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/budget
For more information on NASA's Education Strategic Coordination Framework, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/offices/
Source: NASA
