Session
Technical Session VI: Small Satellites - Support Systems
Abstract
NASA has plans to initiate a new series of inexpensive, Scout-sized Explorer satellites to be placed in service starting in the early 1990's. Today's computer technology makes it feasible and economical to build such a satellite so that it can be operated from a single, small ground station. This station would be located at the satellite user's facility and it would operate autonomously. Except for launch and support during operational emergencies, no NASA facilities would be required. We show this way of operating will result in a lower cost mission with no performance penalty.
A Ground Station for Use with Small Satellites
NASA has plans to initiate a new series of inexpensive, Scout-sized Explorer satellites to be placed in service starting in the early 1990's. Today's computer technology makes it feasible and economical to build such a satellite so that it can be operated from a single, small ground station. This station would be located at the satellite user's facility and it would operate autonomously. Except for launch and support during operational emergencies, no NASA facilities would be required. We show this way of operating will result in a lower cost mission with no performance penalty.
