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Space Studies Board Annual Report 2016 (2017) / Chapter Skim
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5.1 Achieving Science with CubeSats: Thinking Inside the Box
Pages 42-46

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From page 42...
... 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.
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From page 43...
... 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.
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From page 44...
... 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.
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From page 45...
... 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. To maximize their impact, such investments should be competitively awarded across the community and take into account coordination across different agencies and directorates, including NASA's Science Mission Directorate and Space Technology Mission Directorate, and between different NASA and Department of Defense centers.
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From page 46...
... Yet, it is critical to manage appropriately, without burdening low-cost missions with such enhanced processes, by actively involving CubeSat experts in policy changes and discussions as well as in proposal reviews.
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Key Terms

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  • disruptive innovations
  • science mission
  • achieving science
  • science disciplines

  • mission directorate
  • management structure
  • cubesat science
  • space science
  • science potential

  • science objectives
  • science missions
  • earth science
  • cubesat technology
  • science investigations

  • cubesat spacecraft
  • affordable launch
  • training opportunities
  • orbital debris
  • thermal control

  • launch opportunities
  • hoc committee
  • cubesat opportunities
  • science division
  • innovative cubesat

  • increase cubesat
  • relevant science
  • sample science
  • developing cubesat
  • capable science


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