2026-2027 Topic: Innovations, developments, and advancements in small satellite design, payloads, applications and operations.

The creation of the Cubesat standard over 25 years ago revolutionize and democratize the development of space-based capabilities.  It established the roadmap for low-cost entry and development of satellite capabilities, enabling a wide variety of non-traditional space developers such as education and small commercial entities to develop, access and utilize space capabilities.  This year’s Innovation Bowl topic builds on this foundation and seeks continued innovation in small satellite design, applications and uses.  We are looking for ideas both in innovative designs and improved capabilities within the small satellite bus itself and/or new applications or approaches in mission areas such as earth sensing, space debris mitigation, radiation testing in novel orbits or other innovative ideas.  Responses are not limited to these areas but should support the overall topic focus of innovations and advancement in small satellite design and capabilities.

Please see the NASA State of the Art for Small Satellite Technologies as a reference to current capabilities on which to build.