Session
Session III: Bold New Missions Using "Breakthrough Technologies" II
Abstract
SpaceFrame is a highly capable, reconfigurable spacecraft architecture built around a modular set of mechanical “building blocks” called SpaceFrame Blocks (SFB). This paper will discuss the technologies and design approaches involved in the implementation of SpaceFrame-based spacecraft architecture. It will detail the characteristics of this method and outline the path forward toward on-orbit servicing and rapid reconfiguration. Traditional satellite design approaches produce custom satellite buses with the exclusive goal of maximizing specific system performance. These satellites are composed of a selection of custom and semi-custom components that are integrated in a highly specific manner for that particular spacecraft. While this approach produces extremely efficient single spacecraft, it requires extensive, non-recurring engineering that results in large development costs and an inability to take advantage of development work from one system on the next system. The goal of SpaceFrame is to move away from expensive, proprietary system solutions with a single vehicle application towards less expensive, "modular" hardware solutions that support a variety of spacecraft applications. The SpaceFrame technology involves mechanical and electrical ‘plug-and-play’ interfaces that permit simple, reliable integration with other SFB modules. The SpaceFrame technology is an important first step towards on-orbit configuration, servicing, and upgrading of satellites. The standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces allow one block to be easily removed and replace with another. Ultimately, via autonomous rendezvous and docking, an existing space asset utilizing the SFB standard could be upgraded, augmented, or repaired through SFB addition or replacement. AeroAstro is currently working with the Space Vehicles Directorate at the Air Force Research Lab, with commercial funding contributions from a third party investor (ATSB) to develop the SpaceFrame technologies and transition them into a commercial Small Payload ORbit Transfer vehicle (SPORT). SPORT is an upper stage vehicle designed to deliver a payload from GTO to LEO by means of a deployed aerobrake.
Spaceframe: Modular Spacecraft Building Blocks for Plug And Play Spacecraft
SpaceFrame is a highly capable, reconfigurable spacecraft architecture built around a modular set of mechanical “building blocks” called SpaceFrame Blocks (SFB). This paper will discuss the technologies and design approaches involved in the implementation of SpaceFrame-based spacecraft architecture. It will detail the characteristics of this method and outline the path forward toward on-orbit servicing and rapid reconfiguration. Traditional satellite design approaches produce custom satellite buses with the exclusive goal of maximizing specific system performance. These satellites are composed of a selection of custom and semi-custom components that are integrated in a highly specific manner for that particular spacecraft. While this approach produces extremely efficient single spacecraft, it requires extensive, non-recurring engineering that results in large development costs and an inability to take advantage of development work from one system on the next system. The goal of SpaceFrame is to move away from expensive, proprietary system solutions with a single vehicle application towards less expensive, "modular" hardware solutions that support a variety of spacecraft applications. The SpaceFrame technology involves mechanical and electrical ‘plug-and-play’ interfaces that permit simple, reliable integration with other SFB modules. The SpaceFrame technology is an important first step towards on-orbit configuration, servicing, and upgrading of satellites. The standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces allow one block to be easily removed and replace with another. Ultimately, via autonomous rendezvous and docking, an existing space asset utilizing the SFB standard could be upgraded, augmented, or repaired through SFB addition or replacement. AeroAstro is currently working with the Space Vehicles Directorate at the Air Force Research Lab, with commercial funding contributions from a third party investor (ATSB) to develop the SpaceFrame technologies and transition them into a commercial Small Payload ORbit Transfer vehicle (SPORT). SPORT is an upper stage vehicle designed to deliver a payload from GTO to LEO by means of a deployed aerobrake.
