NASA’s Cost-Saving Technology Demonstration CubeSat Set for Launch
November 28, 2025 | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
NASA is preparing to launch a pivotal small satellite designed to advance rapid, low-cost space technology development. The R5-S7 CubeSat, developed by NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is scheduled to lift off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-15 rideshare mission this Friday, November 28, at 10:18 a.m. PST (1:18 p.m. EST) from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
A New Step in Rapid Spacecraft Development
The R5-S7, short for Realizing Rapid, Reduced-cost high-Risk Research project Spacecraft 7, is about the size of a shoebox and is the latest in a series of CubeSats aimed at pioneering faster, more affordable spacecraft design and operation methods. This mission marks a milestone as R5-S7 will perform proximity operations maneuvers right after deployment—a first in the R5 series. These maneuvers are critical for advancing technologies necessary for in-space inspection, servicing, assembly, and manufacturing.
The satellite integrates commercial off-the-shelf hardware, enabling significant reductions in both cost and development time compared to traditional spacecraft subsystems. Notably, propulsion systems on the R5-S7, typically expensive and requiring long lead times, are now available on much shorter timelines for a fraction of the cost. NASA’s incremental development approach means this iteration builds on lessons from prior R5 CubeSat missions, continuously improving capabilities and reliability.
Enhancing NASA’s Space Technology Pipeline
By facilitating rapid in-orbit demonstrations of prototype technologies, the R5 CubeSat series accelerates the transition of innovative systems from development to space missions. This approach aims to slash timelines from years to months, ultimately making space technology more accessible for NASA and other stakeholders.
The R5-S7 CubeSat is part of a larger constellation of payloads on the Falcon 9 Transporter-15 mission, which includes several other NASA-funded CubeSats flown via the CubeSat Launch Initiative. This initiative offers launch opportunities for CubeSats developed by U.S.-based educational institutions, non-profits, museums, and science centers, fostering science education and research.
Other NASA CubeSats on the Transporter-15 Mission
Joining R5-S7 are three additional NASA-funded CubeSats with distinct scientific objectives:
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3UCubed-A: Developed by the University of New Hampshire at Durham and manifested by Space Environment Operations Support (SEOPS), this satellite—roughly the size of a loaf of bread—will measure precipitating electrons and ultraviolet emissions in Earth’s auroral and cusp regions. Its data will complement the ongoing observations from NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), investigating how Earth’s polar atmosphere responds to solar wind variations and particle precipitation.
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TRYAD-1 and TRYAD-2: A pair of CubeSats from Auburn University in Alabama, also manifested by SEOPS, will conduct multipoint measurements of terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs). TGFs are intense bursts of gamma rays associated with thunderstorms. These observations aim to clarify TGF beams’ characteristics, aiding in distinguishing among competing models and improving understanding of thunderstorm electric fields. TRYAD is a collaborative multi-institution mission focused on studying these energetic atmospheric phenomena.
Looking Ahead
The Transporter-15 mission exemplifies the growing importance of small satellite technology and commercial rideshare opportunities in NASA’s exploration strategy. By leveraging these platforms, NASA can demonstrate, validate, and rapidly transition emerging technologies while supporting the scientific community and educational institutions.
The successful launch and operation of R5-S7 and its companion satellites will contribute valuable data and demonstrate capabilities that may shape the future of cost-effective spacecraft design and space operations.
For more information on NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative, the Transporter-15 mission, and the R5 CubeSat series, visit NASA’s official website and follow updates from the Johnson Space Center.
