Request for Information - Dynamic Atmosphere Imaging Spectrograph Investigation (DAISI) Spacecraft Bus Partnering Opportunity

MSFC plans to use a competitive RFI process to obtain a spacecraft bus partner for a Small Explorer (SMEX) proposal submission.  The bus partner would provide a launch vehicle compatible spacecraft bus, and provide observatory integration and test services prior to delivery to the launch site.  The Dynamic Atmospheric Imaging Spectrograph Investigation (DAISI) is a small satellite observatory concept that consists of three x-ray imaging spectrographs in a Sun Synchronous dawn-dusk Earth Orbit.  The mission would probe the fundamental processes that occur before, during, and as a result of extreme space weather events, with a launch in 2027.  The bus partner would provide support for the proposal due no earlier than (NET) June 2022 at its own expense.  Subsequent funding would be predicated on the Heliophysics Small Explorer Mission’s proposal being selected for implementation.  MSFC will provide the in-house payload, and project management, project system engineering, and safety and mission assurance for the mission, along with contract management of the spacecraft bus.