Session
Technical Session II: Measuring Small Satellite Utility
Abstract
The Air Force Research Laboratory, in conjunction with numerous government, academic, professional organizations and industry, is initiating the development of a set of small satellite standards. It is envisioned that these standards will encompass standard launch vehicle mechanical and electrical interfaces, as well as inter-satellite mechanical, electrical and software interfaces. The procedure that is being followed in the standards development process is to engage the stakeholders in the small satellite community in a dialogue to determine which, if any, of the above standards can be implemented in the near term. Those standards would then be included in relevant future solicitations from the participating Government agencies through Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and other contract vehicles. The author believes that small satellites represent a potential disruptive technology in the aerospace industry. However, the disruptive nature of small satellites lies in their ability to be simpler, cheaper and more modular than larger spacecraft. In order to achieve modularity, a set of small satellite standards needs to be developed and employed. This paper will assess the critical path to standards development, including past examples, as well as progress to date in the development of a set of small satellite standards.
Presentation Slides
Small Satellite Standards Development
The Air Force Research Laboratory, in conjunction with numerous government, academic, professional organizations and industry, is initiating the development of a set of small satellite standards. It is envisioned that these standards will encompass standard launch vehicle mechanical and electrical interfaces, as well as inter-satellite mechanical, electrical and software interfaces. The procedure that is being followed in the standards development process is to engage the stakeholders in the small satellite community in a dialogue to determine which, if any, of the above standards can be implemented in the near term. Those standards would then be included in relevant future solicitations from the participating Government agencies through Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and other contract vehicles. The author believes that small satellites represent a potential disruptive technology in the aerospace industry. However, the disruptive nature of small satellites lies in their ability to be simpler, cheaper and more modular than larger spacecraft. In order to achieve modularity, a set of small satellite standards needs to be developed and employed. This paper will assess the critical path to standards development, including past examples, as well as progress to date in the development of a set of small satellite standards.
