![NASA Announces Selection of 10 CubeSat Missions for Future Deployment to the ISS 2 university of michigan](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/university-of-michigan.jpg?w=1170)
NASA has chosen 10 CubeSat research missions from across eight different states aiming to expand scientific ventures, technological advancements, and foster workforce development through educational initiatives.
Employing a standardized scale of units, CubeSats are a powerful tool for collaborative efforts among various sectors due to their cost-effectiveness and scalability. One unit (1U) typically measures 10x10x11 centimeters. Their use allows for more frequent and affordable scientific and technological experiments in space.
This selection round includes the very first entry from the state of Delaware, entries from three minority-serving institutions, and one from a K-12 educational institution. New to the initiative are entities like the University of Delaware, Oakwood School in California, California State University, Long Beach, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and the University of Chicago.
The selected missions by NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) are scheduled to launch between 2025 and 2028, a decision made after the proposal call on August 7, 2023.
Listed below are the institutions and their respective CubeSat missions selected in the 15th CSLI round:
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette – The CAPE-Twiggs mission is a prototype 3U CubeSat aimed to deploy SlimSat modules and promote STEM education through collaborative space experiments.
- Oakwood School in California – With NyanSat, a 2U CubeSat, the school brings hands-on space technology development to K-12 education, featuring payloads for acoustic mapping and cryptographic ledger trials in space.
- University of Hawaii at Manoa – The CREPES mission aims to study solar energetic particle events, utilizing advanced detector technology to advance space weather understanding.
- California State University, Long Beach – SharkSat-1 will monitor LED-induced blue light pollution, providing valuable data for environmental and health research.
- University of Delaware – DAPPEr plans to map ionospheric characteristics, providing valuable data and educational experiences in space system operations.
- Saint Louis University – DARLA-02 will focus on demonstrating autonomous event response and mapping radio frequency noise, expanding on its predecessor’s scientific capabilities.
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona – Pleiades Five aims to commoditize CubeSat architectures and foster educational opportunities in space industry careers.
- University of Chicago – PULSE-A will showcase enhanced speed and security for space-to-ground communications via laser communications.
- Utah State University – GASRATS will feature innovative transparent patch antennas on solar panels, addressing satellite power and communication challenges.
- NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center – GPDM will test green propulsion technologies in partnership with academic institutions to improve satellite propulsion systems.
NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative now boasts selections from 45 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, with around 160 CubeSats dispatched to date.
The CSLI is overseen by the Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. More information can be found at:
FAQ Section
What is a CubeSat?
A CubeSat is a type of miniaturized satellite designed for space research, built to standard dimensions of units (U) typically 10x10x11 centimeters. They provide a cost-effective platform for various scientific investigations and technology demonstrations.
How are the CubeSat missions selected for launch to the ISS?
Through NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI), research institutions can submit proposals for CubeSat missions. NASA reviews these proposals based on their technical merit, feasibility, and educational and research benefits before selecting them for launch.
When are the selected CubeSat missions expected to launch?
The missions that are part of NASA’s 15th selection round of the CSLI are currently planned for launch between the years 2025 to 2028.
What are some goals of the selected CubeSat missions?
The goals include studying solar energetic particle events, monitoring blue light pollution, testing space-to-ground laser communication systems, and trialing green propulsion technology, as well as providing educational experiences in designing and operating space systems.
Has NASA launched CubeSats before?
Yes, NASA has previously deployed around 160 CubeSats into space as part of the Educational Launch of a Nanosatellite (ELaNa) manifest. The initiative has included selections from a wide range of states and territories.
Conclusion
NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative continues to drive innovation and collaboration by selecting diverse and ambitious CubeSat missions. With a focus on advancing space science and technology, as well as providing hands-on learning opportunities, NASA’s efforts support the progression of space exploration and the development of the next generation of space professionals. The impact of these CubeSats extends beyond orbital research—a testament to the value these miniature satellites bring to the field of aerospace and to our understanding of both space and Earthly phenomena.