Session
Technical Session IX: From Earth To Orbit
Abstract
The DoD Space Test Program (STP), the Air Force Launch and Range Systems Wing (LRSW), and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are teaming up to provide a rideshare service to small satellites (< 400lb) using an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA). This rideshare service is an opportunity on EELV missions with margin to carry auxiliary payloads (APLs). This paper will define the ESPA, the standard rideshare service provided to APLs, and how APLs can access this service. We will discuss the roles and responsibilities the different government organizations, ULA, and the small satellite provider have in accessing and implementing ESPA Standard Service. In brief, ULA builds the EELV and performs the launch service, LRSW is responsible for developing and acquiring EELVs from ULA, and STP is responsible for identifying and manifesting APLs that meet ESPA Standard Service requirements. We will further define the processes and procedures required to implement ESPA Standard Service to include: how a particular EELV mission is selected to host ESPA Standard Service, the selection process for auxiliary satellites to utilize the capability, the requirements and timelines small satellites must meet to qualify, and the scope of services provided by ULA as part of Standard Service.
Presentation Slides
Small Satellite Access to ESPA Standard Service
The DoD Space Test Program (STP), the Air Force Launch and Range Systems Wing (LRSW), and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are teaming up to provide a rideshare service to small satellites (< 400lb) using an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA). This rideshare service is an opportunity on EELV missions with margin to carry auxiliary payloads (APLs). This paper will define the ESPA, the standard rideshare service provided to APLs, and how APLs can access this service. We will discuss the roles and responsibilities the different government organizations, ULA, and the small satellite provider have in accessing and implementing ESPA Standard Service. In brief, ULA builds the EELV and performs the launch service, LRSW is responsible for developing and acquiring EELVs from ULA, and STP is responsible for identifying and manifesting APLs that meet ESPA Standard Service requirements. We will further define the processes and procedures required to implement ESPA Standard Service to include: how a particular EELV mission is selected to host ESPA Standard Service, the selection process for auxiliary satellites to utilize the capability, the requirements and timelines small satellites must meet to qualify, and the scope of services provided by ULA as part of Standard Service.
