CubeSat-based Science Missions for Geospace and Atmospheric Research | 18 553

Opportunity Information: Apply for 18 553

The National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity titled "CubeSat-based Science Missions for Geospace and Atmospheric Research" is aimed at closing major observation gaps that are holding back progress in geospace and atmospheric science. The core problem NSF is addressing is that many important research questions in space physics and atmospheric research cannot be answered well right now because the field lacks enough essential measurements taken from space. In the past, those measurements often required large, expensive satellite missions, but NSF points to recent advances in sensors, miniaturized instruments, and small spacecraft technologies that now make it realistic to collect high-value data using lower-cost small satellites.

A major scientific emphasis in this solicitation is the ability to collect multi-point measurements, meaning coordinated observations taken from more than one location in space at the same time. Multi-point data is especially valuable in geospace and atmospheric research because many key phenomena change quickly and vary across space, so a single satellite pass can miss the structure and dynamics scientists need to see. CubeSats and other small satellites make it more feasible to fly multiple spacecraft or design missions that can sample different regions, providing the kind of spatial and temporal coverage that helps resolve long-standing questions in space and atmospheric sciences. NSF also notes that even beyond multi-point studies, space-based measurements from small satellites can accelerate discovery in a range of ways, generally by making more targeted, timely, and cost-effective missions possible.

The program goal is broad and end-to-end: it is designed to support the full life cycle of a small satellite science mission. That includes developing the mission concept and payload, building and integrating the spacecraft, conducting testing and verification, operating the satellite on orbit, distributing the resulting data, and carrying out the scientific analysis needed to turn the measurements into publishable research outcomes. NSF frames the effort not just as an instrument-building or engineering exercise, but as a science-driven mission program where hardware, operations, and data analysis are all part of the proposed research plan.

Another important part of the solicitation is workforce development. NSF explicitly highlights that these missions should create hands-on training opportunities for the next generation of experimental space scientists and aerospace engineers. CubeSat missions are often well-suited for student involvement because they move faster than traditional flagship missions, require interdisciplinary teamwork, and expose trainees to realistic constraints in mission design, integration, testing, and operations. In other words, the program is meant to advance both scientific knowledge and practical mission experience in the academic and research community.

To make launches more achievable and cost-effective, NSF focuses the solicitation specifically on CubeSat-based satellites that can fly as secondary payloads. The expected deployment approach is the standardized CubeSat deployment system known as the Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD). Rather than requiring proposers to secure a dedicated launch, the intent is that CubeSats will be deployed as auxiliary payloads on Department of Defense (DOD), NASA, or commercial launches. Importantly, NSF notes that arranging the launch happens after selection and is not something applicants are expected to provide within the proposal itself, which lowers a common barrier for research teams proposing space missions.

From the funding details provided, this is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by NSF under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category, with CFDA number 47.050. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to applicants (subject to any extra eligibility clarifications in the full solicitation text). The funding opportunity number is 18-553, the original closing date was June 13, 2018, and the opportunity was created on March 17, 2018. NSF anticipated making about two awards, with an award ceiling of $1,200,000 per award. Overall, the solicitation supports complete CubeSat-based science missions intended to produce meaningful geospace and atmospheric research results, while also building practical mission capability and training capacity within the research community.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "CubeSat-based Science Missions for Geospace and Atmospheric Research" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.050.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 17, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 13, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,200,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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