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Pages 1-5

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From page 1...
... The rapid speed of CubeSat development has been enabled, in part, by fast "fly-learn-refly" cycles -- in which two flight models are developed and the second model is modified and launched if issues arise during the first flight -- comparatively low development costs, miniaturized electronics, and timely availability of affordable launch opportunities. A pioneering CubeSat-based research program launched in 2008 within NSF's Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences was responsible for the first systematic support of CubeSat-based science investigations and led to a growing engagement with universities.
From page 2...
... However, the following examples, from those listed in Chapter 4, provide a sampling of high-priority science goals that could potentially be pursued using CubeSats: • Solar and space physics, Earth science and applications from space -- Exploration of Earth's atmospheric boundary region. CubeSats are uniquely suited because of their expendability to explore the scientific processes that shape the upper atmospheric boundary using short-lifetime, low-altitude orbits.
From page 3...
... An additional level of management is needed that can continue to encourage innovation -- in all of the science disciplines and at different costs -- but also can reduce duplication in common technology areas by targeting resources to the most promising developments. Recommendation: NASA should develop centralized management of the agency's CubeSat programs for science and science-enabling technology that is in coordination with all directorates involved in CubeSat missions and programs, to allow for more efficient and tailored development processes to create easier interfaces for CubeSat science investigators; provide more consistency to the integration, test, and launch efforts; and provide a clearinghouse for CubeSat technology, vendor information, and lessons learned.
From page 4...
... These capabilities, which have the most impact on the ability of CubeSats to enable high-priority science and are currently limiting the use of CubeSats in some science applications, are the subject of the next recommendation. Recommendation: NASA and other relevant agencies should invest in technology development programs in four areas that the committee believes will have the largest impact on science missions: high-bandwidth communications, precision attitude control, propulsion, and the development of miniaturized instrument technology.
From page 5...
... The principles of disruptive innovations informed the above recommendations and also led the committee to suggest the following best practices to guide the ongoing development of CubeSats: • Avoid premature focus. Although the committee recommends a NASA-wide management structure to create opportunities for new investigators and provide a clearinghouse for information and lessons learned, premature top-down direction that eliminates the experimental, risk-taking programs would slow progress and limit potential breakthroughs.


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