The Interplanetary Nano-Spacecraft Pathfinder in Relevant Environment (INSPIRE) is a future NASA mission involving sending CubeSats out of Earth's orbit into deep space.
The INSPIRE project will demonstrate the capability of deep space CubeSats by placing a nanospacecraft in Earth-escape orbit. Prior to any inclusion on larger planetary missions, CubeSats must demonstrate that they can operate, communicate, and be navigated far from Earth - these are the primary objectives of INSPIRE. Spacecraft components, such as the Iris X-band radio, and the robust watchdog system will provide the basis for future high-capability, lower-cost-risk missions beyond Earth. These components will enable Explorer, Discovery, and New Frontiers supplemental science and educational opportunities at destinations like Earth's Moon, asteroids, comets, Venus, Phobos, or even Europa.[1]
INSPIRE is funded by NASA's Planetary Science Division as a collaboration between the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Polytechnic State University, Goldstone-Apple Valley Radio Telescope, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Michigan, and University of Texas at Austin.[1]
The launch date and launch location of INSPIRE is to be determined.[1]
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This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- ^ a b c "Interplanetary Nano-Spacecraft Pathfinder in Relevant Environment". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved April 11, 2020.