Nanosatellite Launch Adapter System

NASA has developed a Nanosatellite Launch Adapter System (NLAS) that maximizes the efficiency of satellite launch missions. NLAS increases access to space while simplifying the integration process of miniature satellites, called nanosats or CubeSats, onto launch vehicles. While a complete NLAS consists of an adapter integrated with four dispensers and a sequencer, its components can be used modularly with other adapter, deployer, and sequencer/actuator systems. The adapter is mounted to the upper surface of the launch vehicle at the separation plane and the lower deck of the primary spacecraft supporting its structural load. The dispensers are mounted inside the adapter and house a variety of CubeSats in fully enclosed bays. NLAS is stackable, allowing for the expansion of spacecraft deployments. An NLAS sequencer can initiate a secondary sequencer, allowing for the expansion of actuator and deployment capability.