SCOUT: A Modular, Multi-Mission Spacecraft Architecture for High Capability Rapid Access to Space

In this Phase II effort AeroAstro will refine and focus the rapid response, modular spacecraft architecture development, SCOUT, begun in Phase I. In Phase I AeroAstro identified several key, enabling technologies that must be matured to realize a responsive space military asset. Plug-and-Sense Connectivity - a software architecture that detects attached modules, communicates module use instructions, and identifies the physical properties, and geometric orientation of the module within the vehicle's stack. Smart Systems - utilize the vehicle's systems to aid in assembly, checkout, launch, and transition to operational status. Autonomous Operations - broad spectrum of autonomy from; self-detect, isolation, and repair of anomalies to; self-guided, goal-following on-orbit activities. Minimally Structured Spacecraft - a spacecraft structural design that is driven by on-orbit activities, not launch load requirements. This SBIR Phase II program will develop the key enabling technologies required by a rapid response spacecraft architecture. The immediate benefits to the US military space community are two-fold. First, the technologies developed in this program can be quickly realized in flight hardware, as part of a Phase III program, and a near-term rapid response spacecraft demonstration conducted. Secondly, the developed technologies, in whole or in part, can be integrated into conventional spacecraft designs to improve their performance.