NASA’s Space Launch System: Deep-Space Opportunities for Smallsats

Abstract: Designed to provide the significant capability required for human deep-space exploration, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) also provides a unique opportunity for lower-cost deep-space science in the form of small-satellite secondary payloads. This opportunity will be leveraged beginning with the rocket’s first flight; a launch of the vehicle’s Block 1 configuration, capable of delivering 70 metric tons (70t – tonnes) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which will see the Orion crew vehicle travel aroun…