NASA EARTH SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATINOS ON CUBESATS

Within the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) is leading the effort in developing new, CubeSat- and SmallSat-class instruments and instrument technologies for Earth observations. ESTO has been on forefront of the CubeSat related activities through In-space Validation of Earth Science Technology program. In 2010 ESTO supported a pilot for early CubeSat developments in 1U - 3U form factors. With the success of these CubeSats a formal program was launched with a solicitation in 2012 followed by 3 more in 2015, 2017 and 2020. Early on, the program was targeted towards validation of technology in the space environment. Over time demonstrations of emerging technologies have made possible unique science from new mission architectures on smaller satellite platforms at more rapid development and lower cost. Simultaneous multi-point observations, for example, are now possible challenging what can be achieved scientifically through innovative and disruptive approaches alternative to the traditional larger spacecraft missions. However, it has also been shown that measurements from smaller platforms have their own limitations. Experience and knowledge acquired through these efforts is instrumental in the development of future missions. This presentation will summarize CubeSat concepts, the progress to date, the preliminary science results, and their impact on future missions.