ANNOUNCEMENT OF PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY (AoPO) CUBESAT LAUNCH INITIATIVE (CSLI)
ID: NNH24ZCF001Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONNASA HEADQUARTERSWASHINGTON, DC, 20546, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

SPACE R&D SERVICES; SPACE FLIGHT, RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AR13)
Timeline
    Description

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is seeking partners for its CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI), an effort to boost STEM capabilities and offer launch opportunities for CubeSats. CSLI aims to support CubeSat missions that align with NASA's strategic objectives in education, science, and technology, with a focus on enhancing research and academic capabilities.

    These small satellites, measuring 10x10x11cm, are targeted towards educational and nonprofit organizations, with launches planned for the 2026-2029 period. Respondents must propose missions that adhere to specified orbit parameters and demonstrate educational or scientific value.

    CubeSats are an increasingly important tool for research, allowing for innovative experiments and technology demonstrations in low-Earth orbit. This initiative is an opportunity for selected organizations to collaborate with NASA, with the potential for significant workforce development and educational benefits.

    Proposals are due in November 2024 and must include detailed mission information, budgets, and schedules, with selections being notified in March 2025. Interested parties can find more details, including mission parameters and key dates, in the CSLI_AoPO+FINAL-2024.pdf file.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Jeanie Hall - Space Operations Mission Directorate - Launch Services Office
    (703) 338-5788
    Jeanie.m.hall-1@nasa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) seeks proposals from educational and nonprofit organizations, as well as NASA centers and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, for CubeSat missions. These small satellites, measuring 10x10x11cm or larger, should align with NASA's strategic goals in STEM education, science, and technology. Respondents can propose missions for launch into specific orbits between 2026 and 2029, demonstrating educational benefit, workforce development, or scientific and technological impact. Proposals, due by November 2024, must include detailed mission parameters, budgets, and schedules, passing merit and feasibility reviews. They will be evaluated based on their relevance to NASA's objectives, the quality of their reviews, and the feasibility of their missions. Selectees will enter into Cooperative Research and Development Agreements with NASA, ensuring meaningful student involvement and providing launch opportunities. Key dates include a March 2025 selection notification and a mid-May virtual open house.
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