Lessons learned from and the future for NASA's small explorer program

Abstract

NASA started the Small Explorer (SMEX) Program to provide space scientists with an opportunity to conduct space science research in the Explorer Program using scientific payloads launched on small-class expendable launch vehicles. A series of small payload, scientific missions was envisioned that could be launched at the rate of one to two missions per year. The missions were to have development periods of approximately three years and cost, on average, less than $30M in Fiscal Year 1988 dollars. Through an Announcement of Opportunity (A.O.) three missions were selected in April 1989: Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX), Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST), and Sub-millimeter Wave Astronomy (SWAS). These missions are planned for launch in June 1992, September 1994 and June 1995 respectively. At a program level, this paper presents the history, objectives, status, and lessons learned which may be applicable to similar programs, and discusses future program plans.