Fiscal Year 2011 University NanoSatellite Program

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AFOSR, in conjunction with the AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV) announces a program to promote and sustain university research and education focused on small satellites (nanosats) and related technologies. The primary outcome of individual projects funded under this program is the design, fabrication and functional testing of a nanosat. Secondary objectives are to foster research in enabling technologies for nanosats and the design of experiments that can be performed by nanosats in orbit. In a separate but related activity, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will sponsor a competition to recognize a small number of nanosats that have displayed the ability for space launch and operation. AFOSR and AFRL/RV may invite one or more nanosat projects to submit a second proposal after the competition review. AFOSR and AFRL/RV will evaluate the second proposals using the same evaluation criteria listed in this BAA and subject to availability of funds may choose to award an additional 2-years of funding to prepare the nanosats for possible launch. AFRL/RV will work actively with program participants to promote space-worthy design and fabrication and to prepare selected nanosats for launch. For this program ‘nanosat’ will be used to indicate satellites having a mass of no more than 50 kg and with linear dimensions of 50x50x60 cm or less.

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