NLV Upper Stage Development and Flight Testing

The technical innovation proposed here is the design during Phase I of a high performance upper stage for a two-stage "20 / 450" Nanosat Launch Vehicle (NLV) that is configured to deliver up to 20 kg to a 450 km low Earth orbit (Figure 1). Parallel tasks prepare for the Phase II development and sub-orbital flight testing of a prototype vehicle that is directly traceable to the orbital-capable NLV. Furthermore, by teaming with the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Alaska Space Corporation to pathfind the concept of operations at the latter's Kodiak Space Launch complex, we are taking a key step towards establishing dedicated launch access to polar orbits for the cubesat and nanosat communities.

CubeSat Launch Initiative (CLI) Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) University-class Explorer missions Small Explorer missions Interplanetary CubeSat Missions

Planet Labs Google / Skybox Imaging National Science Foundation DOD Space Test Program Office of Operationally Responsive Space Air Force Space Command, Army Space and Missile Defense Command National Reconnaissance Office

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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