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Spyder: A Dedicated CubeSat Launcher Project

Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)

Description

Key Objectives: Collaborate with NASA MSFC Engineer's to flight qualify high performance, small, low cost solid rocket upper stage systems for the UP Aerospace Spyder orbital launch vehicle. Methods to meet Objective: Engineering design collaboration with solid rocket propulsion experts at NASA's MSFC. Upper stage test data and cost evaluation and implementation into an operational system. Statement of Significance: Provide NASA and commercial entities with a ~$1M launch capability dedicated to placing CubeSat payloads into Low Earth Orbits. No such capability exists for NASA's use or within today's market place.

Benefits

Provide NASA and commercial entities with a ~$1M launch capability dedicated to placing CubeSat payloads into Low Earth Orbits. No such capability exists for NASA’s use or within today’s marketplace. These solicitations increase focus on collaborations with the commercial space sector that not only leverage emerging markets and capabilities to meet NASA's strategic goals, but also focus on industry needs. NASA's investments in industry partnerships can accelerate the availability of, and reduce costs for the development and infusion of, these emerging space system capabilities. While developing the technology to enable NASA's next generation of science and human exploration missions, we will grow the economy and strengthen the nation's economic competitiveness.

Details

ProgramFlight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organizationUP Aerospace, Inc, Highlands Ranch, CO
Start date2015-11-01
End date2020-09-30

Project contacts

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

How to get involved

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.

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.