Helping U.S. businesses use the unique medium of space to benefit our economy
The term “hosted payloads” refers to the utilization of available capacity on commercial satellites to accommodate additional transponders, instruments, or other spacebound items. By “hitchhiking” on commercial spacecraft already scheduled for launch, government agencies can send sensors and other equipment into space on a timely and cost-effective basis.
The National Space Transportation Policy directs federal agencies to actively explore hosted payloads and other ride-sharing arrangements when planning space missions.
On December 20, 2007, NOAA posted a Request for Information (RFI) in an effort to identify interested parties capable of providing commercial solutions to meet U.S. government requirements for space-based earth and space weather observations. …
RFI on Commercial Space-Based Earth & Space Weather Observations Read more »