Session
Technical Session VII: New Mission or Bus Concepts I
Abstract
The development of technologies for miniature, low-mass, high density components and of systems that efficiently utilize these teclmologies has enabled a path to the next generation of highly capable microsatellites in the range of 10 - 100-kg. The characteristics and capabilities of this emerging class of satellites are briefly described. These satellites have the potential for revolutionizing space missions owing to their small size, low cost, significant capability, and good return on investment. This paper documents conceptual microsatellite mission scenarios examined in a collaborative effort between the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the California Institute of Technology (JPL). Six areas of mutual interest were selected from an initial set of about 30 microsatellite mission areas. Each of the selected areas was examined in more depth. The concepts explored include a remote sensing microsatellite, an on-orbit servicing microsatellite, a micronavigation and communication system, an adjunct microsatellite, and two distributed microsatellite systems; one for surveillance and one for space weather and physics observations. These missions are described briefly. A unique characteristic of these microsatellites, exploited in some of the mission scenarios, is the potential for low cost and rapid launch using non-traditional methods. One method examined involves using air-to-space missile technology.
Novel Missions for Next Generation Microsatellites: The Results of a Joint AFRL/JPL Study
The development of technologies for miniature, low-mass, high density components and of systems that efficiently utilize these teclmologies has enabled a path to the next generation of highly capable microsatellites in the range of 10 - 100-kg. The characteristics and capabilities of this emerging class of satellites are briefly described. These satellites have the potential for revolutionizing space missions owing to their small size, low cost, significant capability, and good return on investment. This paper documents conceptual microsatellite mission scenarios examined in a collaborative effort between the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the California Institute of Technology (JPL). Six areas of mutual interest were selected from an initial set of about 30 microsatellite mission areas. Each of the selected areas was examined in more depth. The concepts explored include a remote sensing microsatellite, an on-orbit servicing microsatellite, a micronavigation and communication system, an adjunct microsatellite, and two distributed microsatellite systems; one for surveillance and one for space weather and physics observations. These missions are described briefly. A unique characteristic of these microsatellites, exploited in some of the mission scenarios, is the potential for low cost and rapid launch using non-traditional methods. One method examined involves using air-to-space missile technology.
