Session
Technical Session V: From Earth to Orbit
Abstract
ORBCOMM’s machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions offer global asset monitoring and messaging services through a powerful Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The original constellation deployment consisted of thirtyfive satellites launched in the late 1990s. ORBCOMM is launching the new ORBCOMM Generation 2 (OG2) satellites to upgrade and expand the constellation network. The OG2 satellites being manufactured by Sierra Nevada Corporation will have more data capacity with the potential for new, more robust messaging services. The OG2 satellites are planned for two launches aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 using a modular Satellite Dispenser built on multiple ESPA rings. Preparation for launch involves environmental assessments including acoustics, shock, and quasi-static loads. SpaceX has worked with the OG2 team to ensure that the appropriate flight environments are analyzed to demonstrate the Dispenser launch capability. The ORBCOMM satellite network will be the first constellation to leverage the modularity of the ESPA multipayload adapter. Since the maiden ESPA flight in 2007, numerous mission planners have developed configurations ranging from traditional rideshares to deployment vehicles to free-flying spacecraft built around the ring. Launch of constellations is an obvious use of the ring, and other programs including COSMIC 2 are considering similar ESPA configurations for their constellation launches.
Presentation Slides
ESPA Satellite Dispenser for ORBCOMM Generation 2
ORBCOMM’s machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions offer global asset monitoring and messaging services through a powerful Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The original constellation deployment consisted of thirtyfive satellites launched in the late 1990s. ORBCOMM is launching the new ORBCOMM Generation 2 (OG2) satellites to upgrade and expand the constellation network. The OG2 satellites being manufactured by Sierra Nevada Corporation will have more data capacity with the potential for new, more robust messaging services. The OG2 satellites are planned for two launches aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 using a modular Satellite Dispenser built on multiple ESPA rings. Preparation for launch involves environmental assessments including acoustics, shock, and quasi-static loads. SpaceX has worked with the OG2 team to ensure that the appropriate flight environments are analyzed to demonstrate the Dispenser launch capability. The ORBCOMM satellite network will be the first constellation to leverage the modularity of the ESPA multipayload adapter. Since the maiden ESPA flight in 2007, numerous mission planners have developed configurations ranging from traditional rideshares to deployment vehicles to free-flying spacecraft built around the ring. Launch of constellations is an obvious use of the ring, and other programs including COSMIC 2 are considering similar ESPA configurations for their constellation launches.
