NASA Solicitation: Cubesat Pilot Launch Opportunity
Synopsis – Feb 04, 2009
General Information
Solicitation Number: N/A
Reference Number: NNH09SOMD001L
Posted Date: Feb 04, 2009
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Feb 04, 2009
Original Response Date: Mar 06, 2009
Current Response Date: Mar 06, 2009
Classification Code: A — Research and Development
NAICS Code: 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Set-Aside Code:
Contracting Office Address
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Headquarters Acquisition Branch, Code 210.H, Greenbelt, MD 20771
Description
NOTICE OF INTENT
CUBESAT PILOT LAUNCH OPPORTUNITY
REFERENCE NUMBER: NNH09SOMD001L
COMMENTS DUE March 6, 2009
Issued: February 4, 2009
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION SPACE OPERATIONS MISSION DIRECTORATE
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) anticipates that an opportunity to launch a limited number of CubeSats as secondary payloads will be available on a NASA launch currently planned in mid 2010. A CubeSat is a type of space research picosatellite with typical dimensions of 10x10x10 centimeters (i.e., a volume of exactly one liter), weighing no more than one kilogram, and typically using commercial off-the-shelf electronics components. This initial launch opportunity would be conducted as a pilot project intended to provide reasonably priced domestic launch opportunities for non-profit and educational CubeSat payloads.
The pilot project will be limited to eligible CubeSat development efforts for which a flight opportunity is within the scope of existing NASA-supported agreements. NASA anticipates placing a competitive emphasis on U.S. higher education and graduate programs for the pilot project. Upon completion of the pilot, NASA anticipates establishing an on-going capability to launch CubeSats as secondary payloads on Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELV’s) at an estimated rate of six to twelve CubeSats (equivalent) per year, depending on available excess resources (volume and mass) on NASA-procured ELV’s. A Broad Area Announcement (BAA) containing requirements for eligibility and criteria for selection of CubeSats for this pilot activity is anticipated to be released in the spring of 2009. Emphasis in selection will be placed on CubeSat payloads that can address NASA strategic goals and outcomes as identified in the NASA Strategic Plan found at: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/142302main_2006_NASA_Strategic_Plan.pdf .
In advance of the BAA, NASA seeks comments on this proposed pilot activity from any interested party. Comments may address any aspect of the proposed pilot activity, including the availability of domestic launch capability, recommended selection criteria for CubeSat payloads and elements to consider in assessing the ability for a payload to address NASA strategic goals and outcomes.
Comments should be submitted in writing (e-mails are acceptable) to Ms. Anne E. Sweet, Launch Services Program Executive, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA, Washington, DC 20546; Tel.: (202) 358-3784; Email: anne.sweet-1@nasa.gov or Mr. Jason Crusan, Program Executive, Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA, Washington, DC 20546; Tel.: (202) 358-0635; Email: jason.c.crusan@nasa.gov. All comments must be received before March 6, 2009.
Point of Contact
Name: Ms. Anne E Sweet
Title: Launch Services Program Executive
Phone: 202-358-3784
Fax: 202-358-2818
Email: anne.sweet-1@nasa.gov
Name: Mr. Jason C Crusan
Title: Program Executive
Phone: 202-358-0635
Fax: 202-358-3530
Email: jason.c.crusan@nasa.gov
