US-based satellite rideshare and mission management provider Spaceflight has won a contract from Nasa to launch up to 24 U-Class payloads.

The contracted launch procedure has a potential value of more than $5m and is expected to be carried out next year.

The multi-year deal also includes options for the launch of up to 24 additional payloads, which are slated to be lifted off by 2019 and 2020.

U-Class payloads are small space research satellites that typically use unique and commercial electronic components.

The majority of Nasa’s U-Class payloads are developed by universities and non-profit organisations, and are designed to play significant roles in Nasa’s technological development.