Session
Session 4: Launch
Abstract
ESPA is established launch infrastructure for small satellites on Atlas V, Falcon 9, and Delta IV. Satellites mount to ESPA in a cantilever mount with defined limits on spacecraft mass and center of gravity (CG). ESPA auxiliary payload (APL) capability was established by test in 2002 as 181 kg with CG at 51 cm (400 lb at 20 in). This mass/CG combination is a defining characteristic of the small satellite standard “ESPA class.”
Increased APL capability for ESPA has been validated with Delta Qualification testing at the Space Vehicles Directorate of the Air Force Research Lab on Kirtland Air Force Base. New ESPA APL limits, including a new interface, “ESPA Heavy” (with Ø5/16” instead of Ø1/4" fasteners), are the following:
1. ESPA class: 220 kg at 51 cm (485 lb at 20 in), increase of 21% compared to heritage ESPA class,
2. ESPA Heavy class: 322 kg at 51 cm (710 lb at 20 in), mass increase of 77%.
The paper reviews the test program including motivation and conclusions, and also discusses current and future developments for ESPA and ESPA Grande. An ESPA Mass-Acceleration Curve (MAC) is proposed that encompasses the range of APL mass available with the new capability.
Presentation
ESPA Class Redefined
ESPA is established launch infrastructure for small satellites on Atlas V, Falcon 9, and Delta IV. Satellites mount to ESPA in a cantilever mount with defined limits on spacecraft mass and center of gravity (CG). ESPA auxiliary payload (APL) capability was established by test in 2002 as 181 kg with CG at 51 cm (400 lb at 20 in). This mass/CG combination is a defining characteristic of the small satellite standard “ESPA class.”
Increased APL capability for ESPA has been validated with Delta Qualification testing at the Space Vehicles Directorate of the Air Force Research Lab on Kirtland Air Force Base. New ESPA APL limits, including a new interface, “ESPA Heavy” (with Ø5/16” instead of Ø1/4" fasteners), are the following:
1. ESPA class: 220 kg at 51 cm (485 lb at 20 in), increase of 21% compared to heritage ESPA class,
2. ESPA Heavy class: 322 kg at 51 cm (710 lb at 20 in), mass increase of 77%.
The paper reviews the test program including motivation and conclusions, and also discusses current and future developments for ESPA and ESPA Grande. An ESPA Mass-Acceleration Curve (MAC) is proposed that encompasses the range of APL mass available with the new capability.
