AeroAstro is developing a “flexible template” for small satellite secondary launch slots to reduce mission cycle time and increase the flexibility and frequency of available secondary launch opportunities. This Universal Secondary Payload Interface (USPI) will be funded through a $300,000 contract from the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
A few of the major launch vehicles with extra lift capacity to be covered include the Ariane 5, Delta II, EELV, and the Space Shuttle, so that a small satellite designed with USPI could ideally be flown into orbit quickly and efficiently on any of these or other launch vehicles.
Dr. Rick Fleeter, President and CEO of AeroAstro, said, “Access to space is key to the successful use of miniature spacecraft, and AeroAstro is focused on ways to exploit existing capabilities for low-cost rapid launch. USPI delivers cheaper access to space in the present timeframe and enables further progress towards the ideal of launch-on-demand.
“In combination with AeroAstro¿s SPORT orbit transfer system to move piggyback satellites into their desired orbits, USPI further enhances the utility of small spacecraft in a variety of time- and budget-critical missions.”
Launch costs and the time required for integration, test and qualification will all be reduced. USPI will provide mechanical and electrical interfaces, a semi-standard payload envelope and a universal adapter design that is intended to be valid for a number of launch vehicles.
USPI will also standardize and streamline launch vehicle manifesting for small satellite mission planners, thereby providing maximum flexibility for small spacecraft missions.
AeroAstro¿s SPORT (Small Payload ORbital Transfer) system, currently being developed in-house, will be fully compatible with USPI, enabling a variety of launch vehicles to offer small satellite delivery to a specific orbit even when launched as secondary payload customers. Arianespace of Evry, France, the provider of the Ariane 4 and 5 launch vehicles, has already signed an agreement with AeroAstro to work together to offer the SPORT system to qualified customers.
USPI and SPORT will also assist ride-brokering by offering flexibility in spacecraft design no matter what the ultimate launch vehicle selection.
