The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) 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 as secondary payloads on launches, as well as deployments from the International Space Station, currently planned for 2021–2024.

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 approximately 10x10x11 centimeters (one “Cube” or “1U”).  CubeSats supported by this Launch Initiative include volumes between 1U 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 allowable mass is dependent upon the selected dispenser and the launch vehicle environments.

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, or education encompassed by NASA’s strategic goals and objectives as identified in the NASA 2018 Strategic Plan.  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.