The Start of Something Great! How NASA Ames Launched the NASA Biological and Scientific CubeSat Revolution

Hines, John W., JH Technology Associates, LLC; Ricco, Antonio J., NASA Ames Research Ctr.; Agasid, Elwood, NASA Ames Research Ctr.; Yost, Bruce D., NASA Ames Research Ctr.; Fishman, Julianna, NASA Ames Research Ctr.

doi:10.1117/3.2618157.ch2

Book: The Nanosatellite Revolution: 30 Years and Continuing

Editor(s): Henry Helvajian; Siegfried W. Janson

Author(s): John Hines, Antonio Ricco, Elwood Agasid, Bruce Yost, Julianna Fishman

Published: 2023

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.2618157.ch2

Author Affiliations +

Abstract

This chapter provides a chronological history of the NASA Ames CubeSat and nanosatellite project and mission evolution, starting with a discussion of the background summary of biological research and technology development, and early biological free-flyer projects. The central focus of the chapter is the development and implementation of GeneSat-1, and subsequent 3-unit (U) and 6U nanosatellite projects and missions. Other Ames nanosatellite and small satellite activities are also described, and the chapter concludes with a discussion and summary of the significance and benefits of that initial GeneSat-1 and subsequent missions, along with projections for the future.