Small Sat Analysis Laboratory, Phase I

The NASA Low-Cost Small Spacecraft Program is focused on the technologies, subsystems, methodologies, and mission concepts for space missions which lower the over-all cost for scientific exploration. We propose to support these effort through building a "simulation-of-simulations" software suite that allows (a) development of a standard small satellite architecture framework, (b) capture of all available subsystems simulations or engineering models that provide design and functionality documentation for small satellite architectural elements, (c) supports full small satellite systems physical and functional simulations of simulations against mission profile descriptions using the captured subsystem sub-simulation elements, and (d) support mission planning and analysis trade-studies that change subsystem and system parameters, supports inclusion and exclusion of alternative subsystem elements, and supports mission effectiveness parameter evaluation and display (including cost optimization or optimization a particular performance factors).

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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