Session
Technical Session I: Mission Metrics
Abstract
Small spacecraft have an enviable history of changing the economics of space. Space development and exploration has historically been costly, and going beyond Earth orbit even more so. However the cost-performance balance of small spacecraft has increased to the point where new commercial business cases using space infrastructure can be enabled. This paper outlines SSTL’s approach to low cost missions, and its validity to exploration, in particular the Moon. The political environment for supporting space missions, particularly exploration in the United Kingdom is covered, including study activities building the case for a national exploration programme and their fit to strategic UK space goals. Results from a recent study funded by the UK government to explore feasibility of low cost lunar mission concepts are presented. The MoonLITE lunar orbiter and penetrator mission and Moonraker soft lander are summarised. Commercial prospects for future lunar missions, driven by a desire to increase public value for money are discussed, outlining some of the services small spacecraft could provide to support the lunar explorers of the 21st century. The authors propose that small satellites will act cost-effectively as the ‘picks and shovels’, or essential tools of the explorers. History suggests that such service provision can demonstrate a return on investment.
Presentation Slides
Smallsats to the Moon: Providing the ‘Picks and Shovels for the 21st century’s Greatest Exploration Endeavour’
Small spacecraft have an enviable history of changing the economics of space. Space development and exploration has historically been costly, and going beyond Earth orbit even more so. However the cost-performance balance of small spacecraft has increased to the point where new commercial business cases using space infrastructure can be enabled. This paper outlines SSTL’s approach to low cost missions, and its validity to exploration, in particular the Moon. The political environment for supporting space missions, particularly exploration in the United Kingdom is covered, including study activities building the case for a national exploration programme and their fit to strategic UK space goals. Results from a recent study funded by the UK government to explore feasibility of low cost lunar mission concepts are presented. The MoonLITE lunar orbiter and penetrator mission and Moonraker soft lander are summarised. Commercial prospects for future lunar missions, driven by a desire to increase public value for money are discussed, outlining some of the services small spacecraft could provide to support the lunar explorers of the 21st century. The authors propose that small satellites will act cost-effectively as the ‘picks and shovels’, or essential tools of the explorers. History suggests that such service provision can demonstrate a return on investment.
