When first launched, the heavy SLS booster will launch 11 mini-satellites into space

In order to maximize the scientific potential of launching a heavy SLS launch vehicle, NASA plans to launch 11 small satellite probes. CubeSats, the so-called probes, will be brought SLS to the low orbit of the Earth. The purpose of the first SLS launch (the work will be carried out automatically, there will be no crew on board) is to study the capabilities of the rocket in “field” conditions. At launch, the missile payload and a number of launch and flight parameters will be evaluated.

As for the satellites, they will enter the calculated orbits 10 minutes after separation from the rocket. The location of each satellite will be calculated based on the tasks assigned to each device. CubeSats sizes are small, only 10 * 10 * 11 cm, plus the weight of each is 1.3 kg. Satellites of this type have been developed for about 10 years. Now it is a platform, a standard that can be changed depending on specific objectives and goals. Additional equipment may be added to the satellite.

There are a lot of ways to use CubeSats. For example, a network of such devices can receive and transmit navigation signals from airplanes or ships. In addition, these satellites can provide coverage of most areas of the Earth with the Internet (Google plans to use satellites in the corresponding project). Not so long ago, the company from the UK Surrey Satellite Technology sent CubeSat into orbit with a regular smartphone. The system has successfully passed the tests, while some parameters of the magnetic field were removed, and the Earth was surveyed.
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Each of the 11 satellites launched into orbit using SLS satellites has its own design. At the same time, three satellites were being developed BioSentinel, Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) Scout and Lunar Flashlight. Another 8 satellites are being finalized - their purpose and design features are not yet known. Each of these three (later - all 11) non-standard satellites has its own tasks. The first, designed by BioSentinel, will carry yeast into orbit to test the effects of cosmic radiation on living organisms. The mission will last 18 months.

NEA Scout sends its satellite to meet with a small asteroid. The device will go to the target under a solar sail. At the meeting, the satellite will estimate the size of the asteroid, the rotation characteristics and the shape of the object.

Finally, Lunar Flashlight CubeSat will explore the moon by studying craters located in the dark zone. The device will also use the solar sail, not only for movement, but also to reflect the sun's rays into the crater. The reflected light will again be reflected, the intensity of the reflected radiation will depend on the material. The spectrometer on board will be able to assess what is at the bottom of the craters.

It is worth recalling that the launch of SLS is planned for 2018.