Session
Technical Session III: Launch & Propulsion Systems
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program (STP) has developed a new capability to deploy small satellites from the NASA Space Shuttle or other manned reusable space systems. For STS116, launched in December 2006, STP developed and flew two new types of small satellite deployment systems; the Space Shuttle Picosat Launcher (SSPL) and the Canister for All Payload Ejection (CAPE). Both SSPL and CAPE are designed to take advantage of very small volumes available in the Shuttle’s payload bay to launch into LEO small satellite experiments, in two different form factors. Because STP is the organization responsible for providing launch services for all of DoD’s R&D space experiments and has used the Shuttle extensively in the past for its experiments, a concerted effort began seeking means to continue use of the Shuttle despite these new limitations. STP recognized that, although the Shuttle’s payload capacity was extremely limited because of its primary use for ISS assembly and logistics, virtually every flight has some available mass and volume for small deployable payloads. To make use of this limited resource, the launchers had to be compact, require little electrical power and crew time and use only standard Shuttle interfaces, and of course, be safe for manned vehicle flight. Additionally, because of advances in micro-electronics, space experiments require less and less volume and mass. STP evaluated potential capabilities and decided that two types of launchers would be most useful. The first type would be able to deploy small satellites with a cylindrical volume of 22 by 52 inches (a Nano or Microsat class), the second type would be a Picosat class with a volume of 5 by 5 by 10 inches. This paper will present the development history and first flight results of both the SSPL and CAPE capabilities on Space Shuttle mission 116 in December of 2006. These new standard spacecraft launchers, uniquely suited to take advantage of virtually any available space on reusable manned space missions, promise to provide expanded launch opportunities for small satellites.
Presentation Slides
Small Satellite Deployments From STS116 - Development Of New Manned Spaceflight Deployment Systems
The Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program (STP) has developed a new capability to deploy small satellites from the NASA Space Shuttle or other manned reusable space systems. For STS116, launched in December 2006, STP developed and flew two new types of small satellite deployment systems; the Space Shuttle Picosat Launcher (SSPL) and the Canister for All Payload Ejection (CAPE). Both SSPL and CAPE are designed to take advantage of very small volumes available in the Shuttle’s payload bay to launch into LEO small satellite experiments, in two different form factors. Because STP is the organization responsible for providing launch services for all of DoD’s R&D space experiments and has used the Shuttle extensively in the past for its experiments, a concerted effort began seeking means to continue use of the Shuttle despite these new limitations. STP recognized that, although the Shuttle’s payload capacity was extremely limited because of its primary use for ISS assembly and logistics, virtually every flight has some available mass and volume for small deployable payloads. To make use of this limited resource, the launchers had to be compact, require little electrical power and crew time and use only standard Shuttle interfaces, and of course, be safe for manned vehicle flight. Additionally, because of advances in micro-electronics, space experiments require less and less volume and mass. STP evaluated potential capabilities and decided that two types of launchers would be most useful. The first type would be able to deploy small satellites with a cylindrical volume of 22 by 52 inches (a Nano or Microsat class), the second type would be a Picosat class with a volume of 5 by 5 by 10 inches. This paper will present the development history and first flight results of both the SSPL and CAPE capabilities on Space Shuttle mission 116 in December of 2006. These new standard spacecraft launchers, uniquely suited to take advantage of virtually any available space on reusable manned space missions, promise to provide expanded launch opportunities for small satellites.
