In-Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies

Program Manager – Sachidananda Babu

Through the In-Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies (InVEST) program, NASA’s Earth Science Division validates new technologies, measurement concepts and techniques, prior to their inclusion in Earth science missions. The objective of InVEST is to test viability of these concepts in the space environment, especially those attributes that cannot be fully tested on the ground or in airborne systems, to reduce the risk to future Earth science missions.

The validation of new technologies and measurement concepts/techniques in space can significantly reduce the risk to future Earth science

InVEST-17 Projects

• NACHOS: Nanosat Atmospheric Chemistry Hyperspectral Observation System
• HyTI: Hyperspectral Thermal Imager
• SNOOPI: Signals of Opportunity P-band Investigation
• CTIM: Compact Thermal Irradiance Monitor

InVEST-20 Projects

• ACMES: Active Cooling for Multi-spectral Earth Sensors
• ARGOS: Aerosol Radiometer for Global Observation
• ARCSTONE: Calibration of Lunar Spectral Radiance from Space
• MURI: Multiband Uncooled Radiometer Instrument

Getting To Space

There are a number of commercial launch providers entering this field to provide access to space. Several government efforts also provide opportunities for small satellite payloads, including:

• NASA Launch Services’ CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) Program, also known as Educational Launch of Nano-Satellites (ELaNa)
• The Space Evaluation Research Board (SERB) within the DoD Space Test Program (STP)
• US Government Rideshare Working Group (USGRWG)

Solicitations

InVEST uses the NASA Research Announcement as its investment vehicle. Links to the full solicitations and awards are listed below.

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InVEST Solicitations