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Completed TRL 6 (started at 6, targeting 7)
ChipSats, or chip-scale satellites, are an emerging technology designed to package a fully functioning, autonomous spacecraft into an extremely small form factor. Powered via solar cells and containing a magnetometer, gyroscope, antenna, and microcontroller with a UHF transceiver, these 2-gram ChipSats are designed for use in Earth, lunar, and cislunar space applications. If successful, such satellites would enable previously unattainable, and possibly even disruptive, capabilities.
Problem Statement
The low cost, small size, and full autonomy of chip-scale satellites make their anticipated impact far reaching. This demonstration will test ChipSat deployment, recovery, and re-entry survivability.
Technology Maturation
This technology will combine the JANUS integration and monitoring system with a deployer for 100 2-gram ChipSats. Upon validation of the ChipSat operation and re-entry survivability, the TRL will advance from 6 to 7.
With a lower launch expense than heavier spacecraft, ChipSats expand the possibility for commercial activity in Earth’s orbit. They also provide utility without interfering with other satellites. This would benefit future NASA missions and the commercial space industry.
Future Customers
• Earth science in difficult-to-explore upper atmosphere regions
• Study of other planets’ and moons’ atmospheres and surfaces
• Commercial suborbital and orbital missions
• Lunar and cislunar missions
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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