Wide Band Continuous Spacecraft System Communications Terminal

Solstarĺs Continuous Spacecraft System Communications Terminal - Wideband (CSSC-WB),áaka Slayton, unit integrates with a spacecraftĺs Telemetry, Tracking and Commanding (TT&C) system to provide first-ever bi-directional, wideband, continuous, internet based monitoring of the spacecraftĺs bus, payload and environment. Solstarĺs CritDR allows for satellite connectivity with operators/end users for up to 90% of an orbit, utilizing robust commercial communications paths. By using commerciallybased satellite links, already operational in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Solstar offers real-time continuous data streaming and monitoring of space system health to control centers. Solstar and its predecessor company, has been a service provider for leading commercial satellite networks for over 20 years. Solstar has successfully proven its satellite communications payloads on three prior suborbital flights including twice on Blue Origin's New Shepard, posting the first commercial Tweet from space. During the spaceflights, Solstar's payload maintained a bi-directional, commercial satellite link throughout the flights, even during an extreme crew escape motor test. Solstar will work with the DAF/USSF to identify other critical applications of the CritDR during spaceflight, such as uploading and downloading wideband data upon demand, sending a de-orbit command or command satellite movement. This research proposes to develop and test a sophisticated communications payload in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) leading to the commercialization of the CritDR Slayton product, filling a critical gap the Spaceforce has identified for smallsat communications.Another key commercial application of the Slayton CritDR is its ability to provide Assured Communications for Deorbiting LEO Satellites per the Federal Communications Commissionĺs (FCC) new order. As the Federal Communications Commission issues stricter deorbit requirements for post-mission disposal of LEO spacecraft, Solstar Space offers an easy means of redundant communications for compliance with newly adopted rule.áThe Slayton Space Communicator will provide a cost-effective and easy communications solution to support end-of-life decommissioning of spacecraft. When installed on satellites prior to initial launch, the Solstar Slayton Space Communicator will give satellite operators persistent, wideband communications with low earth orbit (LEO) assets, even when out of range of ground stations. When installed on space-based assets prior to launch, Slayton Space Communicators will make it simple for satellite operators and constellation owners to communicate with spacecraft to comply with regulations aimed at managing space debris.á