NASA Space Launch System (SLS) Cubesat Opportunities on Artemis III, IV, and V Missions.
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically the Marshall Space Flight Center, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking proposals for CubeSat payloads to fly on the Artemis III, IV, and V Space Launch System (SLS) missions. This is a cooperative, no-exchange-of-funds opportunity for organizations to contribute to NASA's space exploration goals. Responses are due by June 1, 2026.
Purpose and Scope
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. NASA aims to identify mature CubeSat payloads (6U and 12U) that can be deployed from the SLS following Orion spacecraft separation in Earth orbit or on a heliocentric disposal trajectory. Opportunities may also exist for CubeSats deployed on a reentry trajectory. Proposals should comply with the Space Launch System Use Policy. NASA also encourages inquiries for missions beyond Artemis V to build a pipeline of mature payloads.
Submission Requirements
Organizations interested in near-term missions (Artemis III, IV, V) must submit a letter of intent and a completed SLS CubeSat questionnaire by June 1, 2026. The questionnaire requires detailed technical and programmatic information, including:
- CubeSat/Mission Name and Contact Information
- General Mission Description, Concept of Operations (ConOps), and Desired Orbit
- Technical specifications (size, mass, power, propulsion, communications, hazardous materials)
- Development schedule, maturity, and ground operations plans
- Team and compliance checklist items
Key Resources
- NASA SLS Secondary Payloads Quick Reference Guide: Provides essential information on design posture, verification, documentation expectations, payload accommodation details (mass limits, power, electrical), environmental conditions (vibration, shock, thermal), and programmatic integration milestones. This guide is crucial for assessing feasibility and requirements.
- SLS SPL Proposal Questionnaire: This form is critical for structuring the required technical and programmatic information for submission.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Product Service Code: AR13 - Space R&D Services; Space Flight, Research And Supporting Activities; Experimental Development
- Set-Aside: None
- Response Due: June 1, 2026 (for initial consideration for near-term missions)
- Published: April 30, 2026
Contact Information
Proposals and questions should be submitted to nasa-slspayloads@mail.nasa.gov, dana.n.justice@nasa.gov, and yong.h.castillo@nasa.gov. Primary Contact: Dana Justice (dana.n.justice@nasa.gov, 256-947-4249) Secondary Contact: Yong Castillo (yong.h.castillo@nasa.gov, 256-544-6706)