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CCP-CQC-COOL-03.09

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1, 2021

Cube Quest Challenge

Deep Space Derby

and Lunar Derby

Instructions for Competitors

Obtaining Their Own Launch

Revision B, March 1, 2021
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DOCUMENT HISTORY LOG

Revision Change Description Date

- Baseline September 7, 2016

A Format updated in keeping with Rev C of CCP-CQ-OPSRUL001, Operations and Rules Document, 

Clarifying and transitional sentences added,

Introduction added,

Schedule added, 

Checklist added for Competitor deliverables.

August 22, 2018

B Flowchart added, 

Updated in include Artemis-1,

Updated to reflect change in Deep Space distance req.,

Name of document shortened, 

Appendix A added

Updated Document number to accord with the new format:

CCP-CQC-COOL-03.09

March 1, 2021
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1.0 Introduction...............................................................................................................................4

1.1 Purpose	of	This	Document.............................................................................................................5

1.2 Definitions ...........................................................................................................................................5

2.0 Applicable	and	Reference	Documents ..............................................................................7

3.0 Instructions................................................................................................................................7

3.1 Rules ......................................................................................................................................................7

3.2 Eligibility,	Registration,	Responsibilities,	Agreements........................................................7

3.3 Submittals	&	Schedule.....................................................................................................................7

3.4 Cube	Quest	Waivers..........................................................................................................................9

4.0 Details	of	Required	Submittals............................................................................................9

4.1 Notice	of	Intent	to	Compete ...........................................................................................................9

4.2 Registration	Data	Package .......................................................................................................... 10

4.3 Pre-Launch	Package...................................................................................................................... 10

4.3.1 Integrated	Pre-Launch	Schedule............................................................................................................10

4.3.2 Evidence	of	Launch	Service	Provider	agreement,	Launch	Provider	Requirements,	and	

V&V	plan...........................................................................................................................................................................10

4.3.3 Concept	of	Operations ................................................................................................................................11

4.3.4 Launch	Service	Provider’s	Data..............................................................................................................12

4.3.5 Radio	Licenses ...............................................................................................................................................13

4.3.6 ODAR	Compliance	and	Planetary	Protection	Plans.......................................................................13

4.3.7 CubeSat	Design	Data ...................................................................................................................................14

4.3.8 Additional	Considerations........................................................................................................................14

4.3.9 Home	Institution	Certificate	of	Flight	Readiness............................................................................15

4.3.10 Launch	Service	Provider’s	Certificate	of	Flight	Readiness....................................................15

4.4 Cube	Quest	Administrators’	Inspection.................................................................................. 15

4.5 Monthly	Progress	Report ............................................................................................................ 15

5.0 Submittal	Address ................................................................................................................15

6.0 Pre-Competition	Checklist.................................................................................................16

List	of	Tables

Table 2-1 Applicable Government Documents ............................................................................. 7

Table 3-1 Summary of Required Submittals, in chronological order............................................. 8

Table 4-1 Competition Prize Lists................................................................................................ 11

Table 6-1 Pre-Competition Checklist ........................................................................................... 16

Appendices

Appendix A: Portions of the Rules document that apply ....................................................................17

Appendix B: Waiver form......................................................................................................................21
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1.0 INTRODUCTION

A brief guide of the submittal process is given (see Figure 1) to allow a prospective team to 

assess responsibilities at a glance. Detailed explanations are given starting in Section 3. 

Sections 1 and 2 will give the context of the Cube Quest Challenge.

Figure 1: This flowchart describes the submittal process in chronological order.

The Centennial Challenges Program (CCP) is NASA’s flagship program for technology prize 

competitions 

(https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/centennial_challenges/cubequest/index.html). The 

program directly engages the public, academia, and industry in open prize competitions to 

stimulate innovation in technologies that benefit NASA and the nation. The CCP is an integral 

part of NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), which is innovating, 

developing, testing, and flying hardware for use in NASA's future missions. For more 

information about NASA's STMD, visit: 

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/home/index.html. 
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In 2015, NASA CCP announced the Cube Quest Challenge, in which Competitor Teams could 

vie for a launch on NASA’s first Artemis I and then compete in either the Lunar Derby or the 

Deep Space Derby. NASA invites teams that obtain their own launch to qualify and compete in 

these in-space competitions. The Lunar Derby takes place in lunar orbit. The Deep Space Derby 

takes place at a range of at least 3 million kilometers from Earth. Prizes will be awarded for 

various communications, navigation and longevity achievements. 

A series of four competitive Ground Tournaments (GTs) were conducted between 2015 and 

2017. The Ground Tournaments allowed NASA to gain insight into Competitor Teams’

spacecraft and mission designs and to award launch slots on Artemis I. At the final Ground 

Tournament, GT-4, three teams were selected for launch on Artemis I based on design and 

technical merit.

Competitor Teams that obtain their own launch may compete with the GT-4 winners for prizes 

by meeting the requirements in this document and in the Cube Quest Challenge Operations and 

Rules. Compliance with these requirements will be certified by Cube Quest judges or their 

designee. 

Cube Quest Challenge Operations and Rules, hereafter referred to as “the Rules,” is available at 

https://www.nasa.gov/cubequest/reference. The Rules is the governing document of the Cube 

Quest Challenge. The Rules document provides registration instructions necessary for all teams

that wish to compete. According to Rule 4.F of the Rules, Competitor Teams that obtain their 

own launch must also submit a separate Data Package. The contents of this “Required Data 

Package for Teams Obtaining Their Own Launch,” also called “Required Data Package for 

COOL Teams,” are described in this document.

1.1 Purpose of This Document

This document defines what information must be submitted to Cube Quest, and when, so that 

teams may qualify for prizes in the in-space competitions. 

1.2 Definitions

The following terms are will be used in conjunction with and for the purposes of the Cube Quest 

Challenge. More detailed descriptions may be found in the Rules document.

• An “administrator” is a NASA employee who organizes Cube Quest Challenge 

activities. 

• “Artemis I” is the NASA’s unmanned first lunar flyby mission of the Orion MultiPurpose Crew Vehicle launched atop the Space Launch System (SLS), currently 

planned for launch 2021 from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center.

• A “competition day” is a 24 hour period that starts at the time each Competitor 

Team's stand-alone 6U CubeSat is deployed as indicated by their respective launch 

vehicle operator. Each Competitor Team will have their own start time at which their 

competition days begin counting.
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• “Competitors Obtaining their Own Launch” or “COOL” team is any team that 

intends to obtain its own launch to compete in Cube Quest’s In-Space Competitions. 

• A Competitor Team is defined as any combination of one or more Team Members.

• CubeSat integration date – the date, per the launch service provider’s schedule 

and/or per the CubeSat developer’s schedule, when the Competitor Team’s CubeSat 

is planned to be integrated into the CubeSat dispenser (wherever the location) in 

preparation for launch.

• “Deep Space Derby” is a Cube Quest competition in which CubeSats that reach a 

range greater than 3 million kilometers from Earth compete for communication, 

distance, and longevity prizes from the Centennial Challenge Program.

• “Ground Tournaments” or “GTs” were a series of competitions in which teams’ 

CubeSat designs, plans, and presentations were judged for feasibility, safety, 

compliance with the Rules, and innovation. At the conclusion in 2017, three winners 

were offered a launch on Artemis I.

• “In-Space Competition” is the all-inclusive term referring to the Deep Space Derby 

and the Lunar Derby competitions.

• “Lunar Derby” is a Cube Quest competition in which CubeSats that achieve and 

maintain lunar orbit compete for propulsion, communication, and longevity prizes 

from the Centennial Challenge Program.

• “Pre-Launch Data Package” is a shorter name for the “Required Data for 

Competitor Teams with Non-NASA Launch package” referred to in the Rules.

• “the Rules” is an abbreviation for the CCP-CQ-OPSRUL-001 Cube Quest Challenge 

Operations and Rules document. The latest version of all relevant documents can be 

obtained at https://www.nasa.gov/cubequest/reference

• “Required Data for Competitors Obtaining their Own Launch package”, also 

known as a “Pre-launch Package,” is a collection of information defined within this 

document that must be submitted on schedule for a Competitor Team Obtaining its 

Own Launch to be eligible for prizes. 

• “SLS” is an abbreviation of Space Launch System, an American Space Shuttlederived heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle. It is part of NASA's deep space 

exploration plans.
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2.0 APPLICABLE AND REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

Documents in Table 2-1 form a part of this document to the extent specified herein.

This document defines a subset of sections in Cube Quest Challenge Operations and Rules

relevant to Competitors obtaining their own launch (COOL) teams. In addition, it requires 

submittals defined below in Section 4.0.

The portions of the Rules that do not apply to COOL teams are those portions referring to 

Ground Tournaments or Artemis I SLS (See Appendix A). With the caveat of those two 

exceptions, the Rules document has precedence and is the ultimate authority in case of any 

discrepancy between the Rules document and the materials included here.

Document users are responsible to verify they are using the latest version. The current revisions 

of all Cube Quest Challenge documents are posted at https://www.nasa.gov/cubequest/reference.

This NASA Centennial Challenges website is the primary location for document access and 

updates. Hardcopy versions will not be available, except for inhibiting circumstances as 

determined by Cube Quest administrators.

Table 2-1 Applicable Government Documents

Document Number Title Revision

CCP-CQ-OPSRUL-001 Cube Quest Challenge Operations and Rules See Appendix A 

for most recent

SLS-SPIE-RQMT-018 Space Launch System Secondary Payload 

Deployment System Interface Definition and 

Requirements Document

Baseline, March 

16, 2015

3.0 INSTRUCTIONS

These instructions apply to every prospective Competitor Team that intends to obtain its own 

launch for purposes of competing in the Cube Quest Challenge In-Space Competitions. 

3.1 Rules

Certification of having met the relevant requirements in the Rules, as defined above, must be 

granted by the Cube Quest judges or their designee to prospective Competitor Teams to be 

eligible for prizes. Teams will sign the Registration Data Package (see the Rules Section 5.3) to 

acknowledge team members shall comply with the Rules.

3.2 Eligibility, Registration, Responsibilities, Agreements

Eligibility requirements are given in Rule 1 of the Rules. Team Responsibilities and Agreements 

are described in Rule 2.

3.3 Submittals & Schedule 

To be eligible for prizes, COOL teams must submit the materials described in Section 4.0 of this 

document to the address listed in Section 5.0 and per the schedule laid out in Table 3-1 below. 
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The Cube Quest administration and judges will review each deliverable as they are submitted 

and respond with approval or further instructions. After final approval, the Cube Quest 

administration will authorize the team as eligible for prizes in the in-space competitions. 

There are five required deliverables:

1. Notice of Intent (NOI) to Compete – to establish dialog with Cube Quest and begin the 

process.

2. Registration Data Package – to determine team eligibility and to affirm the team will 

comply with all rules and legal requirements (see the Rules Section 5.0).

3. Pre-launch Package – a series of submittals and requirements in the areas of safety, 

CubeSat design and interface, mission design information, radio operations, Planetary 

Protection compliance, and other items.

4. Schedule on-site inspection of CubeSat and Mission Operations Center by Cube Quest 

Challenge inspector at least 30 days prior to integration with the launch vehicle.

5. Monthly progress report.

The schedule for a team’s approval by the Planetary Protection Office (PPO)

(https://planetaryprotection.nasa.gov/, see “Contact NASA” link) parallels the steps for 

participating in the Cube Quest Challenge: teams should start a dialog with the PPO about their

concept and destination when filing the Cube Quest NOI, a plan for complying with Planetary 

Protection follows, then a pre-launch report, and a post launch report with an end of mission plan 

confirmation.

Table 3-1 Summary of Required Submittals, in chronological order

Team Submits Due Date Brief Description Cube Quest Responds

1. Notice of Intent 

to Compete

As soon as 

possible, but 

no later than 

120 days 

before 

CubeSat

delivery to 

launch service 

provider

Statement of intention to 

compete in the Cube 

Quest Lunar or Deep 

Space Derbies.

Cube Quest administrator 

acknowledges by email. 

Dialog is initiated with 

team to clarify 

instructions and to answer 

questions. Begins 

registration process.

2. Registration 

Data Package

120 days 

before 

payload 

delivery to 

launch service 

provider

Specified in the Rules

document §2.B and §5.3. 

Establishes that team 

abides by the Rules and 

provides information to 

determine eligibility for 

in-space competition 

prizes.

Cube Quest administrator

declares team officially 

registered to enter the 

Cube Quest competition.

NASA publicly 

announces the team’s 

registration.

3. Pre-Launch 

Data Package

As available; 

no later than 

90 days 

A set of documents, 

approvals, and 

inspection criteria 

Cube Quest 

administration and judges 

receive submittal items, 
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Team Submits Due Date Brief Description Cube Quest Responds

before the 

CubeSat is 

integrated into 

its deployer.

described in Section 4.3

of this document.

evaluate, and approve 

package. Cube Quest 

administration qualifies

team to compete for inspace prizes.

4. Cube Quest 

Administrations’ 

Inspection

Notice

90 to 60 days 

before 

CubeSat 

integration 

with deployer, 

to allow visit 

by inspectors 

30 days prior 

to integration.

Team must arrange for a 

2-day visit by Cube 

Quest inspectors to 

validate CubeSat design, 

ground station and 

mission operations 

center per Rules 4.F and 

7 of the Rules.

Cube Quest will declare 

CubeSat to be compliant 

with Rule 4.F of the 

Rules. Inspection is final 

verification of submitted 

documentation and that 

the operations center 

appears as described.

5. Monthly 

Progress Report

5th day of 

each month

A report on schedule, 

budget, and progress 

towards launch per Rule 

2.F of the Rules.

NASA will not make this 

information public except 

in aggregate form, to help 

assess the cost and pacing 

of innovation.

Submittal 1, Notice of Intent, must precede Submittal 2, Registration, and a complete PreLaunch Package (Submittal 3) must precede the site inspection (Submittal 4). Monthly reports 

are expected from acceptance of Submittal 2 onwards. Any exceptions to this order or 

completeness of submittal may be addressed through the waiver process in Section 3.4. 

3.4 Cube Quest Waivers

It is understood that schedules may slip, some documentation comes from entities beyond your 

control, and the stage of development may be radically different between teams entering this 

phase of Cube Quest Competition. Given that encouraging innovation is the main goal, requests 

for waivers may be considered by the Cube Quest administrators under certain circumstances. 

Waiver forms and contact information may be found in Appendix B of this document. Waivers 

should be pursued as soon as a team foresees difficulties in meeting either requirements or 

schedule.

4.0 DETAILS OF REQUIRED SUBMITTALS

The following sections specify the submittals and requirements.

4.1 Notice of Intent to Compete

The Team Leader (the qualified individual who will be designated Team Leader in the 

Competitor Team’s Registration Data Package) shall send a “notice of intent to compete as a 
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Competitor Team that obtains their own launch” by email to the Cube Quest Challenge email 

address: ARC-cubequestchallenge@mail.nasa.gov.

The Cube Quest administrator will acknowledge receipt of the NOI. Submission of the formal 

NOI enables the Cube Quest Challenge and Centennial Challenge Program to establish dialog 

with the Team regarding registration and the team qualification schedule, and to answer 

questions.

4.2 Registration Data Package

The Team Leader shall submit a Registration Data Package as required by the Rules §2.B, and 

§5.3.

Rule 1 of the Rules gives the eligibility requirements for the Competitor Team and the Team 

Leader. Rule 2 provides the Competitor Team responsibilities and agreements for participation 

in the Cube Quest Challenge.

Upon approval of the Registration Data Package, the Cube Quest administration will respond 

with approval to enter the challenge competition.

4.3 Pre-Launch Package

Competitors that obtain their own Launch must submit a “Pre-Launch Data Package,” also 

called the “Required Data Package for Teams Obtaining Their Own Launch” in Rule 4.F NLT 

90 days before CubeSat integration. NASA Cube Quest administrators and judges will use the 

data to assess the team’s entry and to declare the team qualified to compete in the Cube Quest 

Challenge. The submittals required for that package are listed in this Section (4.3).

4.3.1 Integrated Pre-Launch Schedule

A schedule must be submitted with calendar dates for each of the following:

• Launch Service Provider’s Data: Required documentation and planned completion dates

• Concept of Operations

• Radio Licenses

• ODAR and Planetary Protection Plan submission

• CubeSat design data

• Cube Quest administration site visit to validate CubeSat design data and ground station 

and mission operations center inspection

• Certificate of Flight Readiness from Home Institution

• Delivery date to launch provider 

4.3.2 Evidence of Launch Service Provider Agreement, Requirements, and Validation Plan

Each team must submit documentation to indicate “buy in,” or agreement, of the launch service 

provider with the Competitor Team’s delivery plans. In addition, each team must provide any 

and all requirements imposed on them by the launch provider and how they plan to meet them. 

This may be combined with any schedules imposed by the launch provider. This documentation 

should demonstrate that the Team has adequate human resources, test facilities, test equipment, 

and any other resources required to validate the spacecraft for launch, with adequate margin.
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4.3.3 Concept of Operations

4.3.3.1 Cube Quest Mission Concept

Teams will draft a mission concept that includes the following:

1) Prize Attempts: Declare which in-space arena(s), and list all prizes that your team will 

attempt to win, as defined in the Rules Sections 3.2.3, 4.7 and 4.8: 

Table 4-1 Competition Prize Lists

Competition Competition Prize Categories

A. Deep Space Derby Prizes i. Best Burst Data Rate

ii. Largest Aggregate Data Volume Sustained Over Time

iii. Spacecraft Longevity

iv. Farthest Communication Distance from Earth

B. Lunar Derby Prizes i. Achieve Lunar Orbit

ii. Best Burst Data Rate

iii. Largest Aggregate Data Volume Sustained Over Time

iv. Spacecraft Longevity

2) Planned dates and times for each critical in-space event to be eligible for prizes as specified 

in the Rules. Critical events include: launch; CubeSat deployment; data transmission events 

intended for prize eligibility; and any other judged events.

3) Data Transmissions Eligible for Prizes: Each Competitor Team shall inform the Judges a 

minimum of 24 hours prior to the start of each operating period (as specified in Rule 18.A

through Rule 18.F of the Rules). The details of eligible data transmission events and 

requirements are contained in the supplemental document Communications Procedure for 

Both In-SpaceChallenges (CommsProc), which can be found on the Cube Quest website: 

https://www.nasa.gov/cubequest/reference/

4) Competition Start: As reminder per the Rules, Competitor Teams that obtain their own 

launch shall notify the Judges within one day of their deployment confirmation. See Rule

15.A of the Rules. 
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5) Competition End: For Competitor Teams that have arranged their own third-party launch, all 

activities for the purposes of the Challenge shall end exactly 365 competition days after their 

respective CubeSat deployment confirmation time, or exactly 365 competition days after the 

Artemis I launch, whichever occurs first. For Competitor Teams that have arranged their 

own third-party launch, data transmissions after 365 calendar days will only be used for 

longevity category entrants (and not for data burst rate or data aggregate volume or lunar 

orbit or farthest communications prizes). See Rule 19.A through 19.D of the Rules.

Other Mission Concept items include planned launch vehicle and trajectory, CubeSat 

deployment and navigation/propulsion; mission operations; ground operations; satellite 

communication concept (include planned spectra of communications); conceptual method for 

CubeSat disposal.

4.3.3.2 Operation of Payloads (if any): 

If the CubeSat is carrying any subsystems or instruments used for purposes other than to win 

Cube Quest Challenge prizes, please supply the following: 

(i) Identify any science or demonstration payloads 

(ii) List payload requirements or science goals

(iii)List operations constraints and schedule/milestones 

(iv)List extended mission goals, after completion of activities for Cube Quest prizes

Per Rule 2.G of the Rules, NASA will retain all Media Rights related to the story of the Challenge.

4.3.4 Launch Service Provider’s Data

Cube Quest administrators require the following data to verify the launch service agreement.

4.3.4.1 Launch Service Provider Contact Data

Provide the contact information for the Team’s chosen launch service.

4.3.4.2 Copy of Launch Agreement

Competitors shall submit the launch service agreement, with signatures or other indications of 

commitment by both the Team and by the launch service provider.

4.3.4.3 Interface Requirements from the Launch Service Provider 

Submit a complete set of interface requirements, in original document and format provided by 

the launch service provider. 

4.3.4.4 Safety Requirements from the Launch Service Provider

Submit a complete set of safety requirements, in original document and format provided by the 

launch service provider. 

4.3.4.5 Test Requirements Imposed by Launch Service Provider

Submit a complete set of any test documentation given to the launch service provider, in original 

document and format, such as any vibration or thermal test results.
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4.3.4.6 Other Supporting Material from the Launch Service Provider

Submit a complete set of other supporting material not covered by interface or safety, in original 

document and format provided by the launch service provider.

4.3.4.7 Schedule, Milestones Imposed by the Launch Service Provider

Submit a complete schedule imposed by the launch service provider, including milestones for 

delivery, integration, launch, and events associated with deployment and relevant timing postdeployment, in original document and format provided by the launch service provider. This may 

be combined with Competitor team’s schedule, into a single integrated schedule. It shall include, 

at a minimum:

(i) Development through Delivery including Launch Service Provider Reviews

(ii) Post Delivery to Launch

(iii)Post Launch to Deployment Operations

4.3.4.8 Waivers Against the Launch Service Provider’s Requirements

Submit a list of any completed, in-progress and/or planned waivers against the launch service 

provider’s requirements. Submit information indicating approval, or review status, by the launch 

service provider. Include contingency plans if planned waivers are not approved by the launch 

service provider. 

4.3.5 Radio Licenses

Each team must provide copies of each FCC license for each applicable part of the 

communications chain (both in space and on the ground). If ground station services are being 

contracted to an outside entity, contact information and a copy of an agreement must be 

provided.

Provide copies of service agreements with third-party private or government ground station and

network operators.

Include relevant details:

(i) Required radio operation timing delays 

(ii) Radio operations constraints

(iii)Spectrum management approval authority, authorized spectrum, and constraints

(iv)Radio licensing requirements, name and affiliation of operator, other details

4.3.6 ODAR Compliance and Planetary Protection Plans

Each team must submit Planetary Protection Plans, End of Mission Plans, and Orbital Debris 

Assessment Reports (ODAR) that comply with legal and regulatory requirements as described in 

Rule 17.

For Planetary Protection, Teams will address at least:

(i) The anticipated Planetary Protection Category of the mission under NASA directives; 

(ii) The steps intended to be taken for planetary protection compliance, including potential for 

affecting primary payload compliance;

(iii) The mission operational accommodations to comply with anticipated requirements, 

including organizational responsibilities;
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(iv) The steps to be taken for the preparation of flyby or orbital portions of the spacecraft to 

comply with any requirements for overall microbiological cleanliness and recontamination 

prevention prior to launch; 

(v) End of Mission disposal;

(vi) The organization(s) responsible for implementing planetary protection requirements; and

(vii) Timelines for delivery.

Provide to Cube Quest copies of NASA approvals for each of the Planetary Protection Plan, End 

of Mission Plan, and Orbital Debris Assessment Report and all other legal and regulatory ODAR 

and Planetary Protection approvals as may be required.

For guidance and instructions on ODAR and Planetary Protection submittals, contact Cube Quest 

administration.

4.3.7 CubeSat Design Data

Teams must comply with CubeSat Mass, Volume and Power Requirements of Rule 4.A-4.F of 

the Cube Quest Challenge Operations and Rules document.

Competitor Teams shall submit the planned or as-built, exterior dimensions and mass of their 

CubeSat in it’s stowed configuration. Teams will show their CubeSat does not exceed the 6U 

size and mass requirements as defined in the latest version of the SLS Secondary Payload 

Interface Definition and Requirements Document (per Rule 4.B of the Rules). If CAD files or 

engineering drawings are submitted to substantiate the planned dimensions, they must be in a 

format such that the dimensions are legible.

Cube Quest administrators will validate the CubeSat design per the rules based on inspections 

performed during their on-site visit, one month prior to integration.

4.3.8 Additional Considerations

Teams should submit information regarding topics listed here if not already part of the Launch 

Service Provider’s data:

a. Battery charging, top off, inhibits in dispenser, other battery safety

b. Post-delivery payload access requirements and constraints

c. Other dispenser considerations

d. Pressure vessels

e. Other stored energy

f. CubeSat mechanisms – stowage and deployment requirements

g. Power up sequence after deployment

h. Environment and qualification test requirements

i. Parts containment inside the dispenser

j. Materials compatibility/outgassing/liquid containment

k. Deployment trajectory influences on mission plan

l. Any EMI/EMC and payload compatibility testing 
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4.3.9 Home Institution Certificate of Flight Readiness

Provide a copy of the final certification of flight readiness issued by the Team’s home institution 

(university or company) if any. If the Team is not affiliated with any university or company, 

then the Team will submit their own plan, criteria (such a environmental and acceptance test 

criteria), and declaration that they are ready to ship to launch in space.

4.3.10 Launch Service Provider’s Certificate of Flight Readiness

Provide a copy of the final certification of flight readiness issued by the launch service provider.

4.4 Cube Quest Administrators’ Inspection

Competitor Teams shall permit Cube Quest Judges, or their designee, to verify submitted 

documentation by inspection of ground stations, competition hardware and/or software, and 

component or subsystem tests before CubeSat integration with deployer. (Rules 4.F and 7.)

Teams must help Cube Quest inspectors schedule a 2-day visit, giving notice of proposed date 

90-60 days in advance to allow time for travel arrangements. Inspections should occur no later 

than 30 days prior to integration with the launch vehicle.

Upon inspection, Cube Quest will declare the CubeSat to be compliant with the Rules 4.F. This 

inspection is the final verification that data packages, sites, and hardware meet requirements.

4.5 Monthly Progress Report

No later than the 5th working day of each month, submit a monthly progress report including:

• Assessment of Team’s progress toward all items scheduled in this document Section 3.3 

(Table 3-1).

• Briefly report technical, schedule and organizational issues and their mitigations

• Incremental and cumulative financial report as specified in Rules Rule 2.F. 

5.0 SUBMITTAL ADDRESS

All correspondence shall be to the Cube Quest administrator Email address: 

arc-cubequestchallenge@mail.nasa.gov.
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NASA Centennial Challenges – Cube Quest Challenge

Title: Instructions for Competitors Document No.:CCP-CQC-COOL-03.09 Revision: B

Obtaining their Own Launch Effective Date: March 1, 2021 Page 16 of21

6.0 PRE-COMPETITION CHECKLIST

COOL teams and judges may use the following questions as a checklist for completeness of the

team’s entry into Cube Quest In-Space competition.

Table 6-1 Pre-Competition Checklist

# Section Eligibility Steps Towards In-Space Competitions √

1 4.1 Contacted Cube Quest Challenge with Notice of Intent?

2 4.2 Submitted Registration Data Package?

The Rules

§5.3

Received declaration of eligibility to enter?

3 4.3 Submitted Pre-Launch Package -

4.3.1 Integrated Pre-Launch Schedule?

4.3.2 Evidence of Launch Service Provider agreement, 

requirements, and validation plan?

4.3.3 Concept of Operations?

4.3.4 Launch Service Provider’s Data?

4.3.5 Radio license application?

Approved radio licenses?

4.3.6 ODAR and Planetary Protection Plans?

ODAR and Planetary Protection approvals from 

NASA?

4.3.7 CubeSat design data?

4.3.8 List of any relevant additional considerations?

4.3.9 Home institution’s certificate of flight readiness?

4.3.10 Launch service provider’s statement of flight readiness?

The Rules

§4.1

Received declaration of eligibility to compete?

4 4.4 Has the CubeSat been inspected by Cube Quest adminstrators

prior to integration with the LV provider’s deployment 

mechanism?

5 4.5 Have progress reports been submitted monthly until inspection?
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Obtaining their Own Launch Effective Date: March 1, 2021 Page 17 of21

APPENDIX A: PORTIONS OF THE RULES DOCUMENT THAT APPLY 

TO “COMPETITORS OBTAINING THEIR OWN LAUNCH”

1.1 Summary

In general, all portions of the Operations and Rules document (#CCP-CQ-OPSRUL-001) 

apply to Competitors Obtaining their Own Launches (COOL) except those mentioning 

• Ground Tournaments 

• Artemis I regulations. 

Sections of the Rules are listed below, with tailoring categories of either:

• Applies: this item applies to COOL teams 

• Tailored: portions of text that do not apply to COOL teams are shown in 

strikethrough notation

• FYI: this item is not required but may be useful 

Each time the Operations and Rules are revised, this appendix will also be revised. This 

current tailoring appendix applies to Revision D of CCP-CQ-OPSRUL-001.

Paragraphs From CCP-CQ-OPSRUL-001 REVISION D Page # Applies 

to COOL?

1.0 Introduction 5 Applies/FYI

1.1 Definitions Applies

2.0 Applicable and Reference Documents 7 Applies

2.1 Government Publications Applies

2.2 Non-Government Publications FYI

Table 2-1 – Government Applicable Documents Applies

SLS-SPIE-RQMT-018: SPIE-0300: SPIE Secondary Payloads 

Interface Definition & Requirements Document (IDRD)

FYI

CQC-004-NNL-01: Instructions and Required Data Package for 

Cube Quest Challenge Competitor Teams Providing Their Own 

Launch

Applies

Required Navigation Artifacts for Authenticating Claimed 

Communication Distances and Verifying Achievement and 

Maintenance of Lunar Orbit

Applies

CCP-CQ-COMPRO-001: Communications Procedure for Both InSpace Challenges (CommsProc)Applies
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Title: Instructions for Competitors Document No.:CCP-CQC-COOL-03.09 Revision: B

Obtaining their Own Launch Effective Date: March 1, 2021 Page 18 of21

Paragraphs From CCP-CQ-OPSRUL-001 REVISION D Page # Applies 

to COOL?

Table 2-2 – Government Reference Documents 8 Applies

2.2 Non-Government Publications Applies

Table 2-4 – Non-Government Reference Documents FYI

3.0 Challenge Overview 9

Paragraphs 1, 5, 6, & 8 Applies

3.1 Judges and Judging Applies

The Centennial Challenge Program will nominate a panel of Judges. 

Judges will be involved in every aspect of the Ground Tournaments 

and the Deep Space and Lunar Derbies (though individual persons 

may be assigned as replacements on occasion, as availability or 

needs arise).

Tailored

3.2 Competition Phases FYI

3.2.1 Prize Payment Applies

3.2.3 In-Space Prizes Applies

Table 3-2 – In-Space Prize Awards 12 Applies

3.2.3.1 Deep Space Derby Prizes Applies

3.2.3.2 Lunar Derby Prizes 13 Applies

3.3 Artemis I CubeSat Payload Delivery, Integration, and Launch FYI

3.4 NASA-Furnished Resources Applies/FYI

NASA will provide the following resources at no cost to registered 

Competitor Teams in addition to the documents identified in Section 

2:

• 6U Form Factor guidance

• 6U dispensers for CubeSats selected for Artemis I launch

• Dispenser integration services for selected Artemis I payloads

NASA will provide contact information for a Secondary Payloads 

Integration Manager (SPIM) to the top 5 Competitor Teams 

competing in the Ground Tournaments.

Tailored

4.0 Competition Requirements and Rules 14 Applies
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Title: Instructions for Competitors Document No.:CCP-CQC-COOL-03.09 Revision: B

Obtaining their Own Launch Effective Date: March 1, 2021 Page 19 of21

Paragraphs From CCP-CQ-OPSRUL-001 REVISION D Page # Applies 

to COOL?

Competitors are responsible for understanding and compliance with 

the Ground Tournament (GT) Rules, the requirements of the SLS 

Secondary Payload Deployment System Interface Definition 

Requirements Document (IDRD), and with (when applicable) the 

Deep Space Derby Rules and/or the Lunar Derby Rules.

Tailored

4.1 Eligibility and Registration Applies

Rule 1: Eligibility to Compete and win prize(s) 14-16 Applies

Rule 2: Competitor Team Responsibilities and Agreements 16-18 Applies

4.2 Artemis I Launch and Schedule FYI

4.2.1 Notification to Competitors of Artemis I Deployment 

Trajectory

FYI

4.3 Design Requirements Applies

Rule 4: CubeSat Mass, Volume, and Interface 

Requirements

Applies

Rule 4.A: shall meet SLS IDRD FYI

Rule 4.B 19 Applies

Rule 4.C Applies

Rule 4.D Applies

Rule 4.E Applies

Rule 4.F Applies

Rule 5: Radio Frequency Authorization Applies

Rule 5.A Applies

Rule 5.B Applies

Rule 5.C Applies

4.4 Monitoring and Inspections 20 Applies

Rule 6: Applies

Rule 7: Applies

Rule 14.C backfill teams FYI

4.6 General Rules Applicable to Both In-Space Challenges Applies

Rule 15: In-Space Competition Start (“Start of Competition”) Applies

Rule 15.B: notification of Artemis-1 deployment FYI

Rule 16: Competitor Ground Stations Applies

Rule 17: Planetary Protection 25 Applies

Rule 17.B: Applies/FYI
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Obtaining their Own Launch Effective Date: March 1, 2021 Page 20 of21

Paragraphs From CCP-CQ-OPSRUL-001 REVISION D Page # Applies 

to COOL?

Rule 18: Communications Competition Procedure for Both InSpace Challenges.Applies

Rule 19: Competition End for Both In-Space Challenges 26 Applies

Rule 21: NASA to share Competitor Team accomplishments 27 Applies

4.7 Additional Rules for Deep Space Derby Applies

Rule 22: Achievement and Maintenance of Verifiable 

Minimum Required Distance from Earth

Applies

Rule 23: Deep Space Derby Prizes Applies

4.8 Additional Rules for Lunar Derby 28 Applies

Rule 24: Achievement and Maintenance of Verifiable Lunar Orbit Applies

Rule 25: Lunar Derby Prizes 29 Applies

4.9 Additional Cube Quest Challenge Rules 30 Applies

5.0 Data Submission 31 Applies

5.1 Format Applies

5.2 Method Applies

5.3 Registration Data Package Applies

Appendix A. Foreign Student Acknowlegement 33 Applies

Appendix B. Foreign Participant Acknowlegement 34 Applies
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Obtaining their Own Launch Effective Date: March 1, 2021 Page 21 of21

APPENDIX B: WAIVER FORM

 Originator team:

POC:

Date of Waiver Request:

Waiver for what document or 

activity?

Registration Data Package

Pre-Launch Package

Inspector’s visit

Monthly report

Other__________________

Rule or requirement unmet:

Request to:

Delay until _____________________

Omit

Reason Waiver is Requested (ie

circumstances causing delay):

Proposed Mitigations

This Section to be filled out by Cube Quest Administrators

Immediate Response: Delay granted Yes No

Requirement waived Yes No

Authorized Disposition:

Rationale:

Cause Classification:

CQC External authority

Competitor Team NASA

Other

Administrator’s Approval Signature 

and Date