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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 November 10, 2021, NOAA released a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting information on existing or planned commercial space-based space weather data and related capabilities that will be available in the timeframe of 2022 through 2027. View RFI at SAM.gov …
On September 13, 2021, NOAA released a Solar Coronagraph Development and Related Capabilities request for information (RFI) seeking industry interest and capabilities to produce space-based coronagraphs which would be deployed on satellites in near-Earth and deep space orbits on the …
Today, the White House released President Donald Trump’s National Space Policy providing direction for all United States space activities. View policy at archives.gov (1.3 MB PDF) View White House fact sheet View statement from the President The National Space Policy sets …
President Trump Issues New National Space Policy Read more »
Today, NOAA released a draft of the NOAA Satellite Observing System Architecture Study for public comments. The study looks at the choices, alternatives, and tradeoffs that NOAA is considering as it plans for its future operational satellite observing system to …
NOAA Seeks Public Comments on Future Satellite Architecture, Announces Industry Day Read more »
On April 18, President Trump signed the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017. Section 302 authorizes the Commerce Department to enter into agreements for commercial weather data purchases and hosted payload arrangements. The legislation requires NOAA to prepare …
Weather Act Addresses Commercial Satellite Data and Hosted Payloads Read more »
Today, NOAA issued its Commercial Space Policy, which sets a broad framework for use of commercial space-based approaches for the agency. The document, NOAA Administrative Order 217-109, establishes critical components for engaging with the commercial sector. Learn more The policy reflects public comments …
On September 1, NOAA published its draft Commercial Space Policy for public review and comment. NOAA is developing the policy to establish the broad principles for the use of commercial space-based approaches for NOAA’s observational requirements, and to potentially open a pathway for new …
Here are the presentations from yesterday’s NOAA/NESDIS workshop on “Consideration of commercial data to address our priority data needs”: Next Generation Satellites – Plan (500 KB PDF) Thomas Burns, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Systems NOAA Observing Requirements, Observing Systems Capabilities and Analysis (750 KB PDF) Vanessa …
On July 10, the U.S. Air Force Space Command’s Space and Missile Systems Center awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract under the Hosted Payload Solutions (HoPS) program. The multiple-award HoPS IDIQ contract provides a rapid and flexible means for the government …
Air Force Awards IDIQ Contract for Hosted Payload Solutions Read more »
On December 6, 2013, the Air Force decommissioned its Commercially Hosted Infrared Payload (CHIRP) mission after 27 months of successful operation. CHIRP launched in 2011 as a hosted payload on a commercial communications satellite and completed its initial demonstration period …
On November 21, President Obama signed an updated National Space Transportation Policy providing guidance to federal departments and agencies on the development and use of commercial and governmental space transportation systems. The goal of the policy is “assured access to …
President Issues New Space Transportation Policy Read more »
Today, Colorado-based Surrey Satellite Technology US LLC (SST-US) announced that NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has selected SST-US for the flight of the Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) payload. Under the agreement, SST-US will provide a hosted payload flight opportunity for …
NASA Awards Hosted Payload Contract for Deep Space Atomic Clock Demo Read more »