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 NASA centers, U.S. not-for-profit organizations, or U.S. accredited educational organizations. The CubeSat Launch Initiative provides flight opportunities as secondary payloads on launches, as well as deployments from the International Space Station, currently planned for 2018-2021.

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, and 6U. 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 range from 12 to 14 kg. The final mass is dependent upon the selected dispenser.

NASA anticipates using its authority to enter into one or more collaborative 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.

The NASA 2014 Strategic Plan is available at: http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/2014_NASA_Strategic_Plan.pdf

NASA will not transfer any funds to selected Collaborators under Agreements negotiated in response to this Announcement. Instead, NASA provides integration and other services as necessary to complete the launch activity.  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. Moreover, a Collaborator may be required to reimburse NASA for the direct costs of the integration and launch activities in the event the Collaborator terminates the Agreement.

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