Session
Technical Session IV: From Earth to Orbit
Abstract
Access to space is still a challenge for many types of small spacecraft, especially for small un-encapsulated microsatellites. Altius Space Machines and NanoRacks LLC are developing the HatchBasket™ SmallSat deployment system, which leverages elements of the International Space Station (ISS) ecosystem to: provide additional launch opportunities for small spacecraft, address the short lifetime of payloads launched directly from the ISS, and provide additional unique services for technology demonstration launches. HatchBasket is a spacecraft deployer carrier system that: flies to ISS as pressurized cargo in a cargo vehicle such as Orbital Sciences Cygnus or the JAXA HTV, is installed by the ISS crew into the cargo vehicle’s hatchway in lieu of the pressure hatch prior to departure of the cargo vehicle from the ISS, and deploys payloads in a controlled manner after the cargo vehicle has maneuvered to the desired orbit (below ISS altitude and up to 500km circular altitude). This paper will discuss the physical concept for the HatchBasket system, the concept of operations for satellite deployment missions, some of the unique capabilities that can be provided by HatchBasket for technology demonstrations and other payloads, as well as the current status of HatchBasket development.
HatchBasket System for ISS-Enabled SmallSat Deployments and Externally-Hosted Tech Demo Payloads
Access to space is still a challenge for many types of small spacecraft, especially for small un-encapsulated microsatellites. Altius Space Machines and NanoRacks LLC are developing the HatchBasket™ SmallSat deployment system, which leverages elements of the International Space Station (ISS) ecosystem to: provide additional launch opportunities for small spacecraft, address the short lifetime of payloads launched directly from the ISS, and provide additional unique services for technology demonstration launches. HatchBasket is a spacecraft deployer carrier system that: flies to ISS as pressurized cargo in a cargo vehicle such as Orbital Sciences Cygnus or the JAXA HTV, is installed by the ISS crew into the cargo vehicle’s hatchway in lieu of the pressure hatch prior to departure of the cargo vehicle from the ISS, and deploys payloads in a controlled manner after the cargo vehicle has maneuvered to the desired orbit (below ISS altitude and up to 500km circular altitude). This paper will discuss the physical concept for the HatchBasket system, the concept of operations for satellite deployment missions, some of the unique capabilities that can be provided by HatchBasket for technology demonstrations and other payloads, as well as the current status of HatchBasket development.
