Small Satellite Transporter (SST)

Completed TRL 1 (started at 1, targeting 2)

Description

Scientists in the small satellite community have growing interest in using groups of small satellites to achieve a variety of mission of objectives. These mission concepts are becoming more complex by considering destinations beyond the delivery orbit such as deep space and plane changes in LEO. This project looks to further investigate the design of a unique payload adapter based small satellite transporter (SST) that will be able to take multiple small satellites to such destinations.

The primary objective is to determine whether this small satellite transporter is capable of transporting at least four 6U CubeSats is possible for a given set of mission scenarios. The effort will include:

Defining a mission trade space for both LEO and deep space missions
Developing flight dynamics options and delta-v estimates for the set of chosen mission scenarios
Conducting propulsion system trades with respect to propellant options, propulsion tanks, thruster types, etc. for each of the chosen mission scenarios
Performing mechanical systems trades to investigate structural configurations with respect to the propulsion system results that would include a number of mass saving approaches
Determining mission possibilities for the SST

Benefits

The SST supports a number of GSFC deeps space CubeSat concepts.

Commercial space entities that are interested in advanced CubeSat missions would benefit from this technology.

Other agencies interested in advanced CubeSat missions would benefit from this technology.

Details

Technology area	Propulsion Systems > Advanced Propulsion > Solar Thermal Propulsion
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2012-09-01
End date	2014-10-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Wayne R Powell — wayne.r.powell@nasa.gov
John D Hudeck — john.d.hudeck@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 1) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.