There has been and continues to be a need for some new technologies to be validated in space prior to use in a science mission. This is necessary because the space environment imposes stringent conditions on components and systems, some of which cannot be fully tested on the ground or in airborne systems. The In-Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies (InVEST) program element is intended to fill that gap. Validation of Earth science technologies in space will help reduce the risk of new technologies in future Earth science missions. This program seeks to advance the readiness of existing Earth Science related technology and reduce risks to future missions through space flight validation.
Recent advancements in small, standardized satellites and increasing, low-cost, access to space are rapidly transforming the way technologies are demonstrated and validated. Meaningful risk reduction for hardware components and information systems can be accomplished quickly for future flight instruments.
CubeSats
CubeSats – 10cm cube platforms used as secondary payload to a larger satellite – are leading the way as a standardized platform. They can be inexpensive, as little as $1-2M including launch and basic operations when leveraging prior payload development. They can also built and launched quickly, generally within 18-24 months from concept formulation to deployment. CubeSats can be combined to form 2- or 3-unit configurations for a variety of applications. Although precise numbers are unavailable, there have been approximately 100 CubeSats launched as of 2012.
Access to Space
Flight opportunities for secondary payload technology demonstrations are also on the increase. There are a number of commercial launch providers entering this field to provide/broker access to space. Several government efforts have also emerged to provide opportunities for small satellite payloads, including:
- NASA Launch Services’ CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) Program also known as Educational Launch of Nano-Satellites (ELaNa)
- The Space Evaluation Research Board (SERB) within the DoD Space Test Program (STP)
- US Government Rideshare Working Group (USGRWG)
Space Validation Investments
ESTO released a Request for Information (RFI): Future Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies in 2011. The first solicitation for the InVEST program was released on September 13, 2012. InVEST uses the NASA Research Announcement (NRA) as its primary investment vehicle.
For a full list of ESTO investments, across all program lines, visit the Solicitations page.
