NASA Launches 3 SmallSats on Falcon 9 to Test Propulsion, UV Science and Satellite Inspection
Updated
Updated · NASA · Oct 1
NASA Launches 3 SmallSats on Falcon 9 to Test Propulsion, UV Science and Satellite Inspection
1 articles · Updated · NASA · Oct 1
Summary
Three NASA-supported small spacecraft lifted off from Vandenberg at 11:32 a.m. PDT aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare, bundling propulsion, astrophysics and orbital-servicing demonstrations in one launch.
ASCENT’s dual-mode CubeSat will test a chemical thruster and four electrospray thrusters using one non-toxic propellant supply, which NASA said offers 50% higher specific impulse density than hydrazine.
SPRITE, a one-year CubeSat mission, will become NASA’s first astrophysics CubeSat to detect a specific ultraviolet band blocked from ground observatories, tracing how gas, dust and radiation move through galaxies.
SSPICY will use Starfish Space’s Otter 24C to inspect up to four inactive U.S. satellites in low Earth orbit, with autonomous approach and robotic-boom tests supporting future servicing and debris-assessment work.
The rideshare mission reflects NASA’s push to use commercial launches to cheaply flight-test emerging capabilities, with SSPICY expected to operate for about two years and begin inspections in 2027.