CubeSat Launch Initiative - NASA

NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative provides opportunities for CubeSats built by U.S. educational institutions, and non-profit organizations, including informal educational institutions such as museums and science centers to fly on upcoming launches. Through innovative technology partnerships NASA provides these CubeSat developers a low-cost pathway to conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations in space, thus enabling students, teachers, and faculty to obtain hands-on flight hardware design, development, and build experience.

Learn More about CubeSat Launch Initiative

A Northrop Grumman Antares rocket carrying a Cygnus resupply spacecraft is seen at sunrise as the Moon sets Feb. 9, 2020.

Upcoming ELaNa Launches

Find more information on the upcoming ELana CubeSat launches.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Dec. 5, 2019.

Past ELaNa Launches

Learn about the history of ELaNa Cubesat launches.

A group of engineering students work on a CubeSat in the laboratory.

How to Apply

CSLI’s Announcements of Partnership Opportunity is typically released each August with proposals due in November.

NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative has launched over 150 CubeSats.

NASA EDGE: CSLI and the Mission Concepts Program

In this episode of NASA EDGE, we’ll hear how NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative, the University Nanosatellite Program, and many others are working together to help students develop, build, launch and operate their own small satellites to conduct Lunar, search and rescue, and even biological missions. From the Missions Concepts Program to Thomas Jefferson High School, these kids are taking DYI to low earth orbit and beyond.

Learn More and Get Involved

Small Satellite Missions Blog

Follow the latest updates on CSLI and NASA's other small satellite missions.

CSLI Application Resources

Prepare a top-notch application by reviewing CSLI’s library of fact sheets, videos, and Lessons Learned from previous teams.

NASA’s Minority Serving Institutions Exchange

CSLI supports STEM programs for minorities. Learn about NASA’s Minority Serving Institutions Exchange.

Launch Services Program

NASA’s Launch Services Program works with emerging launch providers to deliver low-cost science missions into orbit.