← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 7)
Project Objective
Create an initial capability within the Space Systems Integration & Test Facility for CubeSat testing.
Project Description
The SmallSat Innovation, Development, & Readiness (SIDR) Center will ultimately be focused on improving mission returns on CubeSat missions. This will be done by improving access to high-quality test facilities that would otherwise be inaccessible or unaffordable to some entities. Additionally, various subject matter experts will be more readily available to provide advice or recommendations.
Current efforts are placed in developing a high-fidelity Attitude Determination & Control System (ADCS) testbed. This will allow test articles to verify various control algorithms prior to flight, including detumbling, solar tracking, object tracking, and ground tracking.
Future efforts will include collocating all relevant test equipment, establishing an internal standard for final integration and test, as well as cooperating with customers to develop new technologies.
Project Results and Conclusions
The fundamental portions of the software controlling the ADCS testbed have been completed, enabling the testbed to emulate the magnetic field that a test article will experience in orbit. All hardware and materials needed to assemble the testbed have been acquired as well. The testbed will ultimately generate a three-dimensional magnetic field that replicates Earth's magnetic field in orbit. A CubeSat under test will be mounted to a stabilized, hemispherical air bearing that enables it to use various control methods to freely rotate around one axis and partially around the other two. This setup allow it to track any location or object relative to the magnetic field.
SIDR Center will be a test facility to improve CubeSat survival and operation after the launch environment. The ultimate goal is to reduce total or partial mission failures due to poor workmanship or insufficient testing. Potential users include those who have been awarded a launch opportunity but are financially constrained in their current capabilities. The SIDR Center will act as a bridge to close the gap and allow sufficient testing of their satellite, resulting in an improvement in their overall success rate while maximizing the return on investment for the funding entity.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.