SmallSats, Big Science
At LASP, SmallSats are more than compact spacecraft; they’re a cornerstone of our cutting-edge, on-orbit science. As mission complexity increases and budgets tighten, LASP offers a flexible, full-cycle solution for SmallSat development, designed to deliver high-value science with reliability and precision.
With more than a dozen successful SmallSat missions on orbit or completed, LASP boasts a 100% science return rate across heliophysics, Earth science, and astrophysics. Professional staff and students work side by side throughout the mission lifecycle, delivering high-impact science through innovative, effective approaches while training the next generation of space professionals.
Our SmallSat program draws on decades of experience in mission design, payload integration, spacecraft engineering, and operations. From initial concept through scientific analysis, LASP provides full-cycle mission capabilities under one roof, tailored to the scale and scope of any science goal.
What We Offer
LASP’s SmallSat engineering team supports missions from CubeSats to ESPA-class spacecraft with end-to-end or modular services:
Mission & Systems Engineering
- Mission concept development and trade studies
- Requirements development, architecture, and risk assessment
- Cost modeling and mission planning
Custom Instrument & Payload Development
- Compact, high-performance science instruments
- Calibration, integration, and testing
- Support for LASP payloads or third-party systems
AI&T & Flight Hardware
- Environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC, etc.)
- Cleanroom integration and verification
- Flight software development and ground systems support
Launch Coordination & Operations
- Mission ops center on site at LASP
- ConOps development, commanding, and telemetry support
- Long-term data downlink and archiving
Science Data Processing & Analysis
- Onboard and ground-based data pipelines
- Custom algorithms for real-time or archival processing
- Access to LASP’s extensive scientific expertise
Start Your Mission With Us
Whether you need complete spacecraft design, subsystem support, or help bringing a payload to flight readiness, LASP is ready to partner with you. Our team blends heritage and innovation to ensure that your SmallSat delivers meaningful science, on time and on budget.
Contact us: partnerships@lasp.colorado.edu
