Micro Mass-Memory Storage Module (MMSM) for Space-Based Missile Defense Platforms

"MSI is proposing to design and build a Micro Mass Storage Module (MMSM) that demonstrates the feasibility of using hard disk drives in space. The increasing fidelity of satellite imagery along with the increased capability for on-board data processing isdriving an increased need for on-board data storage. The development of a low cost, lightweight, modular on-board data storage system using commercial hard drives will meet the future storage needs of all government and commercial satellites. The use ofhard disk drives in space holds great promise as it eliminates the need for continuous power, data densities are huge, and magnetic media are relatively immune to space radiation. In the past, mass and power requirements during operation have made thisoption undesirable. In recent years however, hard drives have become smaller, more rugged, and power consumption has been drastically reduced (all results of the commercial drive to smaller, laptop and handheld computing devices). Even though there havebeen substantial improvements in technology in recent years, disk drives still cannot withstand the rigors of space missions without special engineering packaging to both contain the atmosphere and control the environments. The MMSM provides the packagingnecessary to meet space mission requirements. MSI's Micro Mass Storage Module will reduce the mass and cost of spacecraft on-board data storage up to fifty percent. The MMSM storage