ANNOUNCEMENT OF PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY (AoPO) CUBESAT LAUNCH INITIATIVE (CSLI)

Within the scope of the CSLI program, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) will use reasonable efforts to make available situational mentoring (including, but not limited to educational programs and workshops) in an effort to invest in the enhancement of research, academic and technology capabilities contributing toward building a diverse STEM workforce.  In addition, SOMD anticipates making launch opportunities available to a variety of U.S. CubeSat developers for a limited number of CubeSats.  The CSLI will provide or facilitate launch opportunities to low-Earth orbit (LEO) currently planned for 2026-2029. 

 A CubeSat is a type of space research nanosatellite.  The base CubeSat dimension is approximately 10x10x11 centimeters (one “Unit” or “1U”) and they typically have a mass of up to 2 kilograms per 1U Cube.  For example, the typical mass for a 3U is under 6 kg.  The final allowable mass is dependent upon the selected dispenser and the launch vehicle environment.  CSLI will not select CubeSat missions proposing to deploy or release parts that are smaller than 1U in size due to trackability, space situational awareness and orbital debris concerns.

CubeSats supported by this launch initiative include volumes of only 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U or 6U.  If a Respondent proposes a mission that includes multiple CubeSats, the cumulative volume may not exceed a 6U and the CubeSats must be capable of being deployed together from the same dispenser.  Review the AoPO for detailed information regarding CubeSats supported and the orbital parameters.  Respondents may propose a mission outside of these parameters and request a waiver for consideration, although there is no guarantee the waiver will be accepted.

NASA anticipates selecting one or more 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 Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) containing standard terms and conditions is required.  The CRADA is posted on https://www.nasa.gov/content/cubesat-launch-initiative-resources and to maintain uniformity among all CSLI Collaborators, NASA will not negotiate changes to the agreement.

Proposed CubeSat investigations must address an aspect of Education, Science, or Technology Development/Demonstration or NASA Workforce Development 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 CSLI, including previously selected Respondents and valuable reference materials, requirements documentation, lessons learned, and frequently asked questions is available at: http://go.nasa.gov/CubeSat_initiative.