Title :
A Low-Cost, Responsive Microsat Bus Utilizing COTS Parts and Components
Author_Institution :
SpaceDev, Inc., Poway, CA
Abstract :
The SpaceDev MMB-100 spacecraft platform is a single-string 100-kg class microsat that is suitable for experiments, flight demonstrations, and highly-responsive missions. It is designed specifically for 1-2 year LEO missions. It has flexible launch options, including the ESPA ring and the SpaceX Falcon launch vehicle. The MMB-100 makes extensive use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts and software, which enables low cost and rapid development times. Attitude control performance is better than 25 microradians (1-sigma). The power subsystem is flexible, and can accommodate orbit-average payload loads of up to 150 W. Telemetry and data transfers from the spacecraft to the ground are implemented via FTP using standard Internet protocols. The MMB-100 represents a significant departure from conventional spacecraft design practices, and will enable a new generation of small, low-cost satellites.
Keywords :
aerospace computing; artificial satellites; attitude control; software packages; COTS parts; ESPA ring; LEO missions; SpaceDev MMB-100 spacecraft platform; SpaceX Falcon launch vehicle; attitude control performance; commercial off-the-shelf parts; low-cost responsive microsat bus; off-the-shelf software; single-string 100-kg class microsat; standard Internet protocols; Aerospace control; Aerospace materials; Aircraft manufacture; Costs; Documentation; Low earth orbit satellites; Payloads; Quality assurance; Space vehicles; Telemetry;
Conference_Titel :
Aerospace Conference, 2008 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Big Sky, MT
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-1487-1
Electronic_ISBN :
1095-323X
DOI :
10.1109/AERO.2008.4526531
