CubeSat Launch Initiative Resources

For media inquiries, please contact:

Laura Aguiar
Kennedy Space Center

321-593-6245
laura.aguiar@nasa.gov

Below are resources to get started developing CubeSat missions. 

NASA CubeSat 101 Book

• CubeSat 101: Basic Concepts and Processes for First-Time CubeSat Developers (pdf)

NASA Videos

• What is a CubeSat?
• How Do CubeSats Get into Orbit?
• What Does a CubeSat Do?

​CubeSat Design Specifications

• California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo​: 1U – 12U CubeSat Design Specifications (pdf)

Interface Control Documents

• NASA Launch Services Program: Program Level Dispenser CubeSat Requirements Document (LSP-REQ-317.01 B) (pdf)
• NanoRacks LLC: NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD) Interface Control Document

Licensing Information

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Guidance on Obtaining Licenses for Small Satellites (DA: 13-445)
• NASA Spectrum Guidance for Small Satellite Missions
• International Amateur Radio Union (IARU): Amateur Radio Satellite Frequency Coordination
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA) Application Process

Satellite Tracking Information

• Space-Track.org
• Eyes.nasa.gov

Other Resources

• CSLI Final Mission Report Guidance
• CSLI Mission Summary Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions
• CubeSat Information and Lessons Learned
• Identifying and Overcoming Challenges in High School CubeSat Programs
• CSLI Proposer’s Guide
• Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute (S3VI)
• 2022 NASA Strategic Plan
• NASA Strategy for STEM Engagement
• Science 2020-2024: A Vision for Scientific Excellence (NASA Science Plan)
• Process for Limiting Orbital Debris
• NASA Spacecraft Conjunction Assessment and Collision Avoidance Best Practices Handbook
• CSLI Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) Template
• U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices
• Recommendations for Optimal CubeSat Operations
• Requirements for Threaded Fastening Systems in Spaceflight Hardware
• Standard Materials and Processes – Requirements for Spacecraft
• Lessons Learned for Small Satellite Developers Adhering to Manned Spaceflight Requirements
• Mission Success Handbook for Cubesat Missions
• NASA Systems Engineering Handbook
• NASA Work Breakdown Structure Handbook
• NASA Risk Management Handbook
• Small Satellites Services & Collaboration Pamphlet – August 2018
• Small Satellites Regulations
• Best Practices for Satellite Payload Developers
• NASA Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials
• NASA CubeSat Poster/Cut-out
• Print Your Own CubeSat (Search for “CubeSat”)
• Satsearch

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