Session
Technical Session II: Launch
Abstract
In November 2016, Spaceflight, in partnership with SpaceX, is scheduled to set a new world record for the most number of free-flying spacecraft deployed from a single launch with eighty-nine spacecraft deployed during the FORMOSAT-5/SHERPA mission. This paper describes how this record was accomplished and key lessons learned.
Spaceflight is a world leader in the development of commercial rideshare opportunities for the small satellite industry. Success on this mission required both technical and business innovations to include design and development of SHERPA, a custom ESPA Grande ring with custom payload adapters and dispenser systems, designed for manifesting multiple secondary payloads and hosting secondary payloads. Adapter plates designed for SHERPA enable either one or two microsats, or up to seven Innovative Solutions in Space (ISIS) QuadPack dispensers to be deployed from a single port. SHERPA carries a deployment sequencer to send separation commands to separation systems, and a data recorder and UHF transmitter to capture and send deployment state information to a ground receiver at Wallops Island, VA. In addition to technical development, procedures developed ensure a “do no harm to others” philosophy is enforced on all payloads, regardless of size and complexity.
Spaceflight's FORMOSAT-5/SHERPA Mission How to Set a World Record for the Number of Satellites Deployed in a Single Launch
In November 2016, Spaceflight, in partnership with SpaceX, is scheduled to set a new world record for the most number of free-flying spacecraft deployed from a single launch with eighty-nine spacecraft deployed during the FORMOSAT-5/SHERPA mission. This paper describes how this record was accomplished and key lessons learned.
Spaceflight is a world leader in the development of commercial rideshare opportunities for the small satellite industry. Success on this mission required both technical and business innovations to include design and development of SHERPA, a custom ESPA Grande ring with custom payload adapters and dispenser systems, designed for manifesting multiple secondary payloads and hosting secondary payloads. Adapter plates designed for SHERPA enable either one or two microsats, or up to seven Innovative Solutions in Space (ISIS) QuadPack dispensers to be deployed from a single port. SHERPA carries a deployment sequencer to send separation commands to separation systems, and a data recorder and UHF transmitter to capture and send deployment state information to a ground receiver at Wallops Island, VA. In addition to technical development, procedures developed ensure a “do no harm to others” philosophy is enforced on all payloads, regardless of size and complexity.
