Synopsis
The report provides an overview of the growing role of small spacecraft, defined as those under 500kg, in NASA’s civil space program. It was prepared for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Office of Management and Budget to inform policymakers about this shift towards smaller, faster, cheaper missions.
Several factors are driving this transition, including budget pressures, demands from the science community for more responsive programs, and new miniaturized technologies allowing smaller yet more capable spacecraft. NASA is investing heavily in small spacecraft across its science disciplines, with over a quarter of its space and earth science budget devoted to small missions. These missions average around $145 million and 3 years to develop.
The report analyzes strategies for reducing costs and increasing performance of small spacecraft. These include streamlined procurement, low-overhead program management, design improvements, reduced operations costs, use of standards and common components, and leveraging commercial systems. However, small spacecraft remain relatively expensive on a per kilogram basis due to their complexity, higher launch costs, and greater risk tolerance. Advanced technologies are playing a key role in improving their capabilities.
Effective technology planning and maturing advanced systems for flight is critical but poses challenges. NASA’s Integrated Technology Plan attempts to coordinate technology efforts across the agency but lacks clear methodology and ties to future mission needs. The report recommends strengthening this plan and using more external expert review to guide technology investments. It also suggests better aligning technology demonstrator missions with the plan’s identified needs.
With the shift towards small spacecraft, NASA is transitioning from a risk avoidance to a managed risk approach. This increases probability of failures, highlighting the need for improved risk measurement and communication. The report calls for additional R&D funding in areas like high reliability components, testing, and design to help mitigate risks. It also advocates new performance metrics incorporating cost, technical, and risk factors.
In summary, small spacecraft are playing an expanding role in meeting civil space goals amid resource constraints. Realizing their full potential requires focused efforts to advance key technologies, reduce risks, and implement performance-based management approaches tailored to small missions’ faster pace and flexibility. The recommendations aim to aid policymakers in guiding NASA’s ongoing transition and ensuring continued leadership in space.
