Bitsy integrates satellite subsystems such as power, communications, command, and data/guidance into a single component, known as a core kernel module. Systems such as structure, solar arrays, and attitude control are built up around it for each mission, thereby increasing flexibility while keeping costs low.

The company has also been recently awarded several contracts by NASA to develop Bitsy and other nanosatellite technology for Future-X, New Millennium, and Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) programs. Dr. Rick Fleeter, President and CEO of AeroAstro, said, "Nanosatellites offer a way to use space in a radically different mode from traditional spacecraft.

We can provide production runs of spacecraft, each cheaper than a sounding rocket payload, available on-demand. These not only enable new types of space missions, they also allow businesses, researchers and students immediate, affordable access to space.

"This spontaneity is already catalyzing new space applications, just as ease of access to PCs catalyzed new ways of computing, including spreadsheets, e-mail and, ultimately, the Web."

AeroAstro has launched a variety of Bitsy-based products including:

• The Small Payload Orbit Transfer (SPORT) vehicle to enhance piggyback launch opportunities, on the market for over six months;
• The Escort product, a co-orbited nanosatellite 'doctor' to diagnose anomalies on larger science and communications missions to reduce risk and down-time; and
• Multiple science applications such as Bitsy-SX.

AeroAstro, a pioneer of micro and nanospacecraft applications in science, remote sensing, and communications, is a leader in innovative small satellite applications. It led the trend towards "smaller, better, cheaper, faster" spacecraft - that is now NASA's mantra - with its highly successful ALEXIS satellite begun in 1988 and currently in its seventh year operating on-orbit.

AeroAstro has since designed, constructed, tested and supported the launch of several other small satellites. It completed numerous spacecraft systems programs and manufactures low-cost small rocket engines, nanosatellites and spacecraft components. NASA, the Air Force, and commercial and university customers have all employed AeroAstro throughout its 11-year history.

Nano and MicroSats At SpaceDaily