NASA boosts SmallSats via Launch Services Program
NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) has awarded three contracts to launch small satellites (SmallSats) to space, including CubeSats, microsats or nanosatellites.
The three US companies selected to provide the commercial launches are Astra Space, Relativity Space and Firefly Black LLC. And the value of their fixed-price contracts, $3.9m, $3.0m and $9.8m, respectively
Miniature satellites help provide a low-cost platform for NASA missions, and the agency highlighted that SmallSats, including CubeSats, are playing an increasing role in exploration, research and technology demonstrations.
Specifically, Venture Class Launch Services Demonstration 2 (VCLS Demo 2) contracts have been awarded.