CubeSat-based Science Missions for Geospace and Atmospheric Research

Post Date

February 10th 2014

Application Due Date

May 12th 2014

Full Proposal Deadline(s): May 12, 2014

Funding Opportunity Number

14-535

CFDA Number(s)

47.050

Funding Instrument Type(s)

Grant

Funding Activity Categories

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Number of Awards

2

Eligibility Categories

Unrestricted

Funding

• Estimated Total Funding:

  $600000

• Award Range:

  $300000 - $900000

Grant Description

Lack of essential observations from space is currently a major limiting factor in many areas of geospace and atmospheric research. Recent advances in sensor and spacecraft technolo­gies make it feasible to obtain key measurements from low-cost, small satellite missions. A particularly promising aspect of this development is the prospect for obtaining multi-point observations in space that are critical for addressing many outstanding problems in space and atmospheric sciences. Space-based measurements from small satellites also have great potential to advance discovery and understanding in geospace and atmospheric sciences in many other ways. To take full advantage of these developments, NSF is soliciting research proposals centered on small satellite missions.The overarching goal of the program is to support the development, construction, launch, operation, and data analysis of small satellite science missions to advance geospace and atmospheric research. Equally important, it will provide essential opportunities to train the next generation of experimental space scientists and aerospace engineers.To facilitate launch of the satellites as secondary payloads on existing missions, the focus of the program is on CubeSat-based satellites. Launch of the satellites will mainly be through the standardized CubeSat deployment system, the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD). Launch of the P-PODS will be as auxiliary payloads on DOD, NASA, or commercial launches. This will be arranged after selection and is not part of this solicitation. This solicitation covers proposals for science missions to include satellite development, construction, testing and operation as well as data distribution and scientific analysis.

Contact Information

• Agency

  National Science Foundation

• Office:

  None

• Agency Contact:

  NSF grants.gov support
  grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
  

• Agency Mailing Address:

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• Agency Email Address:

  grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

• More Information:

  NSF Publication 14-535