NASA Opens Future Artemis Missions to CubeSat Proposals
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NASA is inviting organizations to propose CubeSat payloads for future Artemis missions. Interested parties must respond to a request for information by June 1 for initial consideration. The opportunity could lead to CubeSats flying on Artemis III, IV, and V missions.
Facts First
- NASA has issued a request for information for CubeSats on Artemis III, IV, and V.
- Responses must be submitted by Monday, June 1 for initial consideration.
- NASA expects to accommodate 6U and 12U-sized CubeSats deploying in Earth orbit or on a heliocentric trajectory.
- NASA provides payload integration and engineering support in addition to a ride to space.
- NASA flew ten CubeSats on Artemis I and four on Artemis II.
What Happened
NASA has issued a request for information (RFI) for organizations interested in launching CubeSats on future Artemis missions. Responses must be submitted by Monday, June 1 for initial consideration. The RFI will inform potential opportunities for CubeSats to fly on Artemis III, IV, and V missions. NASA expects to accommodate CubeSats sized in 6U and 12U increments, which would deploy from a ring on the upper stage of the rocket after the Orion spacecraft separates. Deployment could occur in Earth orbit or on a heliocentric disposal trajectory, and opportunities may also exist for CubeSats deployed on a reentry trajectory from Earth orbit.
Why this Matters to You
If you work in aerospace, scientific research, or educational institutions, this may open a new pathway for your organization to conduct experiments in space at a lower cost. NASA provides payload integration and engineering support alongside the ride to space, which could make participation more accessible. For the general public, these secondary payloads could lead to new scientific discoveries or technological demonstrations that complement the primary crewed Artemis missions.
What's Next
NASA will review the responses submitted by June 1. This process is likely to inform the development of formal opportunities for CubeSats to fly on the specified Artemis missions. Organizations that respond may be positioned to develop proposals for these future slots.