Small Probes for Orbital Return of Experiments

The Small Probes for Orbital Return of Experiments (SPORE) flight system will provide low-cost on-orbit operation, Earth return and recovery for small payloads. The SPORE flight system design includes a service module for orbital operations and de-orbit capability, and an entry vehicle to perform entry, descent and landing. The SPORE system architecture is scalable, allowing payload sizes ranging from the CubeSat standard one-unit (1U) configuration 2U and 4U configurations. Experiments including biological science, materials science, and thermal protection system flight demonstrations are targeted applications for SPORE. The flight system can be launched as either a primary or secondary payload into low-Earth orbit or geosynchronous transfer orbit. It can also be deployed from the International Space Station. This paper describes the driving requirements for the SPORE system architecture. Conceptual designs for the service module and entry vehicle are provided, and launch vehicle and ISS interfaces are discussed. Future work leading to SPORE commercialization is described.