Space Flight Laboratory completes satellite bus for NASA-backed Aspera mission led by University of Arizona

Precision microsatellite developed to support far-UV observations of circumgalactic matter

Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) has completed assembly of the satellite bus for the Aspera mission, a NASA-supported space astrophysics project led by the University of Arizona.

The bus will be integrated with the far-ultraviolet telescope component of Aspera later this year, with launch planned for early 2026.

SFL, based in Toronto, specializes in the design and manufacture of small satellites for scientific and commercial missions. The Aspera spacecraft is being developed on SFL’s 60-kilogram DEFIANT platform, selected for its advanced attitude control systems that allow precise pointing of onboard sensors — a critical requirement for the mission’s scientific goals.

Mission to investigate the circumgalactic medium

Funded by NASA’s Astrophysics Pioneers Program, Aspera is designed to observe hot gases surrounding galaxies, referred to as the circumgalactic medium. These gases may hold key insights into how galaxies evolve and where missing matter in the universe resides.

“We know there must be some amount of matter in the universe…we’ve looked for it and still can’t find most of it. It’s likely in this circumgalactic medium,” says Prof. Carlos J. Vargas, University of Arizona astronomer and principal investigator of the Aspera mission. “Why do we care about that? Because every star that has formed, every planet that’s formed, and all life on those planets must come from matter somewhere.”

The Aspera project marks a step forward in using microsatellite platforms to support high-impact science missions. According to Vargas, recent advances in satellite technology have made missions like Aspera financially feasible.

“Big science can now be done on small platforms, and the University of Arizona and Steward Observatory are big players in the SmallSat revolution,” says Vargas. “Our partnership with SFL makes that possible.”

SFL role and platform capabilities

SFL will conduct integration and testing of the full Aspera spacecraft at its Toronto facilities ahead of launch. The company has delivered more than 80 operational small satellites since 1998 and currently has 21 additional spacecraft under development.

“SFL is proud to play a role in such a challenging space astrophysics mission that will enhance our understanding of how the universe formed,” says Dr. Robert E. Zee, director of Space Flight Laboratory. “We have developed Aspera on our 60-kg DEFIANT microsatellite platform.”

SFL’s satellites have been used in missions for Earth observation, atmospheric monitoring, RF signal detection, and space-based astrophysics. Its platforms support a range of payloads and mission types from three to 500 kilograms.

The Aspera mission is expected to be a benchmark for how small satellite systems can support complex space science investigations, offering a lower-cost alternative to traditional space telescopes.