Microcosm, Inc.
Microcosm is a small, woman-owned space engineering company (founded 1984) focused on reducing space mission cost and enabling responsive, low-cost space systems. Its work spans mission and systems engineering, low-cost launch vehicle and propulsion development, composite spacecraft structures, small satellite design, autonomous guidance/navigation/control (GN&C) software, simulation tools, and training. The company publishes technical papers and has performed on-orbit demonstrations of autonomous orbit control and other flight-proven technologies.
Industries
N/A
Products
Attitude simulation framework with software-in-the-loop
Simulator for attitude control development that supports flight-like software modules, control verification, and subsystem sizing to accelerate flight code conversion and reduce verification time.
Autonomous on-board orbit control kit (flight-proven)
On-board orbit determination and absolute orbit control capability demonstrated in flight to maintain in-track position and reduce ground operations and propellant use.
Low-cost small satellite bus designs (NanoEye-class)
Design concepts for low-cost imaging and surveillance small satellites intended to deliver mission capability at reduced recurring cost.
Attitude simulation framework with software-in-the-loop
Simulator for attitude control development that supports flight-like software modules, control verification, and subsystem sizing to accelerate flight code conversion and reduce verification time.
Autonomous on-board orbit control kit (flight-proven)
On-board orbit determination and absolute orbit control capability demonstrated in flight to maintain in-track position and reduce ground operations and propellant use.
Low-cost small satellite bus designs (NanoEye-class)
Design concepts for low-cost imaging and surveillance small satellites intended to deliver mission capability at reduced recurring cost.
Services
Space mission engineering and architecting
Consulting for mission definition, system architecture, and trades to develop affordable, responsive space systems.
Low-cost launch system development and launch services
Development and provision of low-cost, responsive expendable launch vehicle capability for small payloads.
Composite spacecraft structure design
Design of integrated unibody pressurized composite structures that combine tank and structure to reduce mass and parts count.
Small satellite (SmallSat) design and system development
Design and development of low-cost small satellite buses and mission systems for LEO, MEO, GEO and interplanetary applications.
Training and professional courses in space mission engineering
Advanced mission engineering training provided to professionals and graduate students on topics such as low-cost mission design and reducing mission cost.
Space mission engineering and architecting
Consulting for mission definition, system architecture, and trades to develop affordable, responsive space systems.
Low-cost launch system development and launch services
Development and provision of low-cost, responsive expendable launch vehicle capability for small payloads.
Composite spacecraft structure design
Design of integrated unibody pressurized composite structures that combine tank and structure to reduce mass and parts count.
Small satellite (SmallSat) design and system development
Design and development of low-cost small satellite buses and mission systems for LEO, MEO, GEO and interplanetary applications.
Training and professional courses in space mission engineering
Advanced mission engineering training provided to professionals and graduate students on topics such as low-cost mission design and reducing mission cost.
Expertise Areas
- Space mission engineering
- Low-cost launch vehicle development
- Pressure-fed propulsion
- Composite spacecraft structures
Key Technologies
- Pressure-fed liquid propulsion
- LOX/kerosene engine technology
- All-composite propellant and pressurization tanks
- Autonomous guidance, navigation and control algorithms