NASA SMALL SPACECRAFT TECHNOLOGY

NASA Ames Research Center plays an important role in small spacecraft program and technology development. This year’s exhibit showcases the capabilities, investments, and opportunities offered by small spacecraft organizations resident at Ames.

At Ames since 2012, the Small Spacecraft Technology program expands U.S. capability to execute unique and more affordable missions through rapid development and in-space demonstration of capabilities for small spacecraft. SSTP enables new mission architectures to expand the reach of small spacecraft to new destinations, and challenging environments.

Established in 2017, the Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute leverages the growing small spacecraft community and identifies emerging technology opportunities. It provides an efficient communications channel for industry, academia, and other government agencies.

Ames’ Engineering Directorate supports the full mission life cycle for spacecraft from concept development, mission design, rapid prototyping, and mission implementation. Expertise spans flight hardware development including swarm technology, integration and testing, launch, and mission operations.

Company Websites:

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/small_spacecraft

https://www.nasa.gov/smallsat-institute

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/engineering/smallsat