Innovative Methodologies for Spacecraft Cost Reduction

The DoD has numerous experiments, demonstrations and operational space sensor and communications systems that require a means to get into orbit. Some of these systems require host spacecraft bus functions to be provided by an external element, other systems are self sufficient and require only a means to get to orbit. Typical bus provided resources for attitude control, command and data handling, power, thermal management and telecommunications can be provided by a Space Platform based on the ESPA ring where a small satellite mounted to a single ESPA port can provide these resources. In addition, common payload interface can be implemented into the standard design for rapid response to orbit. Using information generated on the DSX mission, MSI is proposing to develop and mature a multi-function space asset based on the use of the ESPA ring as a spacecraft platform that supports a variety of space missions that is responsive to the desire to place new technologies in orbit rapidly.