This guide provides best practices and “tricks of the trade” to help the payload developer be successful when collaborating with NASA on designing, developing, and flying a payload on the space station.
This page enables you to open (download and print) the complete guide using the link below. Or you can open and read each section separately by clicking the appropriate link beneath this introduction.
Open complete guide (1.7 mb) (Updated September 2024)
Getting Started
This introduction provides an overview of the Quick Start Guide along with information to help you begin with your payload idea.
Open section (0.3 mb) (Updated March 2022)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section provides a list of commonly asked and anticipated questions from new payload developers and researchers along with answers to help eliminate some of the mystery about working with NASA to develop and fly a payload.
Open section (0.3 mb) (Updated September 2024)
Payload Engineering
This overview provides the context for designing your payload so it meets the requirements of the space station, including such topics as materials selection, electrical and thermal considerations, as well as personnel who will work with you during certification. It includes tips and contact information that will be of use to the first time payload developer.
Open section (0.7 mb) (Updated March 2022)
Payload Safety Overview
Your payload must meet important safety requirements in order to fly on the station. This overview provides information on the safety review process, including descriptions of the phases and reports required. It provides tips, contact information, and an overview of documentation requirements.
Open section (0.6 mb) (Updated March 2022)
Acronyms
Surely you’ve heard that NASA is a veritable alphabet soup of acronyms. Well, we’re here to help. This section lists all of the acronyms mentioned throughout the entire guide, including references to the sections where they are used so you’ll never be lost.
Open section (0.3 mb) (Updated September 2024)
