Mission concept and architecture
COSMIAC helps partners define mission objectives, spacecraft class, payload needs, operational constraints, and early technical architecture.
Small Satellite Development
Space Systems and Small Satellite Development
COSMIAC supports space systems and small satellite development from early mission concept through subsystem design, payload prototyping, integration planning, environmental testing, compliance support, and flight-demonstration readiness.
This thrust connects spacecraft engineering, communications, controls, payload development, embedded avionics, student mission teams, and industry/government collaboration.
COSMIAC small satellite development and spacecraft hardware representation.
From concept to mission-ready hardware
COSMIAC is a hands-on space systems research and development center that helps partners move from concept to credible mission implementation. The center brings together electrical, mechanical, software, controls, communications, and radiation effects expertise to support spacecraft and payload development for government, industry, and academic missions.
The updated space systems thrust expands COSMIAC’s legacy small satellite development capability into a broader mission engineering area that supports feasibility studies, spacecraft subsystems, payload interfaces, environmental test strategy, and student-centered development programs.
Focus areas
- Mission concept development and CONOPS planning
- Spacecraft subsystem and payload prototyping
- Cleanroom assembly and integration support
- Environmental and compliance planning
- Ground systems and mission operations concepts
- Student-led spacecraft development experience
Capabilities
Technical support across the spacecraft lifecycle, from early architecture through integration and mission operations planning.
Spacecraft subsystem development
Support for electrical, mechanical, software, payload, power, communications, and embedded processing subsystem development.
Fabrication and integration
Cleanroom, laboratory, and high-bay resources support spacecraft assembly, payload integration, contamination-aware handling, and functional checkout.
Environmental test planning
COSMIAC supports vibration, thermal-vacuum, and system-specific functional test planning for small spacecraft and payloads.
Ground systems and operations
Satellite communications and ground system experience connects spacecraft design with realistic operations, access windows, and data movement.
Student mission development
Students gain real spacecraft development experience while working under COSMIAC engineering supervision on sponsor-relevant activities.
Design, test, and integrate all in one place
Cleanroom capability supporting assembly and integration.
Small satellite assembly and subsystem integration.
Environmental testing and system-level readiness support.
Develop a mission with COSMIAC.
Bring COSMIAC into early mission planning, payload development, subsystem design, integration, or student-led spacecraft work.
