October 21, 2016

The White House announced a new initiative to identify and establish programs to drive innovation using small satellite (smallsat) technology. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) will lead the Harnessing the Small Satellite Revolution initiative in collaboration with NASA, the Department of Commerce (DOC), the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and other federal agencies.  

As a part of this initiative, NASA will establish a Small Spacecraft Virtual Institute housed at the NASA Ames Research Center in California. This institute will serve as a hub of technological information on small spacecraft technology, and will promote programs, opportunities, and best practices on the subject. In addition, NASA proposes spending up to $30 million to purchase Earth science observational datasets from non-governmental small satellites.

Also as a part of the initiative, the DOC’s Office of Space Commerce will advise decision makers on critical policy issues affecting the commercial space industry, such as smallsat licensing issues; and the NGA will partner with the General Services Administration to establish a central database where individuals can access and purchase commercially-provided imagery, data, analytical capabilities, and services.  

Sources: CNN News, White House Office of the Press Secretary