NASA creates virtual institute for small spacecraft systems

Washington : NASA has established a new virtual institute to advance the field of small spacecraft systems as well as promote innovation and identify emerging technology opportunities. The Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute (S3VI), hosted at NASA's Ames Research Centre in the US will provide an efficient channel for communication about small spacecraft systems with industry, academia and other government agencies.

Depending on the mission objective, a small spacecraft can range in size from a postage-stamp (under an ounce) up to the size of a refrigerator (about 400 pounds). Many recently launched NASA small spacecraft conform to the CubeSat standards - established by academia - in which a single cube (called a one-Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute or 1U) measures about four inches on each side, has an approximate volume of one quart, and weighs less than three pounds.

The variety of sizes offers spacecraft capabilities tailored to specific science instruments, exploration sensors, or technology demonstrations. NASA sees enormous benefits from investing in research and technology development in small spacecraft systems, such as propulsion, that will be essential in advancing the commercial space sector," said Steve Jurczyk, associate administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate. STMD established the Small Spacecraft Technology Program in 2011 to develop and demonstrate the unique capabilities of small spacecraft to support science, exploration and space operations.