Nanosatellite

Guided by years of spacecraft development history, the UNP structure is divided into four distinct phases. Successful completion of each phase is accomplished through specific entrance and exit criteria. Phases include various reviews and program down-selects intended to help as many teams as possible achieve successful spacecraft mission operations.

The UNP Program Office assists university teams throughout the development process in a variety of ways, including facilitating educational opportunities, meetings, reviews, and supplied resources. UNP spacecraft that meet Phase C exit criteria are launched through the Space Experiments Review Board and the Space Test Program (STP).

Phase A

Design and Development

Select ~10 programs
Fund universities through AFOSR
Emphasize design process from system concept to critical design review maturity
Conduct 6 design reviews
Facilitate satellite development workshops and telecons
Select missions for Phase B

Phase B

Integration and Test

Support satellite assembly, integration, and testing
Meet regularly with university teams
Facilitate hands-on satellite fabrication workshops
Conduct 4 testing and integration reviews
Support final testing of integrated satellite and completion of UNP test metrics

Phase C

Environmental Test

Provide environmental testing capabilities including bake out, thermal cycling, vacuum, and vibration testing
Enable student participation during test campaign via internship such as the AFRL Scholar’s Program
Finalize launch preparation with STP & Launch Vehicle (LV)

Phase D

Mission Operations

University teams operate spacecraft
AFRL serves and advises in operations