NRO Embraces Cubesats for Testing Advanced Technologies: SpaceNews

By Amy Klamper, SpaceNews Staff Writer, Posted 10/12/09

Link: http://www.spacenews.com/archive/archive09/nrocubesatoffice_0810.html

" In an effort to reduce risk in developing operational spy satellites, the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has started a new program that will use tiny satellites, known as cubesats, as in-space test platforms for promising new technologies. Last year, the spy satellite agency established a cubesat program office dedicated to small satellites weighing between 1 and 5 kilograms each. Located within the NRO's Advanced Systems and Technology division, the new Colony Program Office has 12 cubesats in production this year and plans to purchase between 20 and 50 additional cubesats at roughly $250,000 each over a two-year period beginning in 2010."