Session
Technical Session II: Commercial Applications
Abstract
Every small-satellite enthusiast has hoped for the day when small satellites would gain the sophistication, political support and commercial viability to be used for main stream missions. The first phase of such a mission is currently being constructed by One Stop Satellite Solutions (OSSS) of Ogden, Utah and will launch May of 2002. The OS-2 payload will be delivered into a 650-km orbit using a Russian Dnepr launch vehicle furnished by the launch team of Kosmotraus and Thiokol. Aboard the OS-2 mission will be two satellites, which will demonstrate technical feasibility of the TropNet concept. TropNet is an equatorial LEO constellation of 16 bent-pipe style communications satellites of the 50-kg class. The phase 1 mission in May will verify structural design, power generation and storage, active and passive attitude control, orbit station keeping and communications link budget. Phase 2 of this project is scheduled for launch in late 2003 and to begin commercial services in early 2004. In addition to 16 satellites, 16 earth stations located at strategic points around the world will be constructed. TropNet will service the commercial wholesale telecommunications market and will bring services into remote areas.
TropNet: The First Large Small-Satellite Mission
Every small-satellite enthusiast has hoped for the day when small satellites would gain the sophistication, political support and commercial viability to be used for main stream missions. The first phase of such a mission is currently being constructed by One Stop Satellite Solutions (OSSS) of Ogden, Utah and will launch May of 2002. The OS-2 payload will be delivered into a 650-km orbit using a Russian Dnepr launch vehicle furnished by the launch team of Kosmotraus and Thiokol. Aboard the OS-2 mission will be two satellites, which will demonstrate technical feasibility of the TropNet concept. TropNet is an equatorial LEO constellation of 16 bent-pipe style communications satellites of the 50-kg class. The phase 1 mission in May will verify structural design, power generation and storage, active and passive attitude control, orbit station keeping and communications link budget. Phase 2 of this project is scheduled for launch in late 2003 and to begin commercial services in early 2004. In addition to 16 satellites, 16 earth stations located at strategic points around the world will be constructed. TropNet will service the commercial wholesale telecommunications market and will bring services into remote areas.
