NASA Small Spacecraft and Distributed Systems: Recent and Upcoming Technology Demonstrations and Development Efforts

The Small Spacecraft and Distributed Systems (SSDS) program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, expands the ability to execute unique missions through rapid development and demonstration of capabilities for small spacecraft applicable to exploration, science and the commercial space sector. Through targeted development and frequent space testing, the program: enables execution of missions at lower cost than previously possible; reduces the time requirement for development of spacecraft; enables new mission architectures through the use of small spacecraft; expands the reach of small spacecraft to new destinations and challenging new environments; and enables the augmentation of existing assets and future missions supporting small spacecraft. A summary of current SSDS missions and efforts is provided.