Orbital express space operations architecture program

James Shoemaker; Melissa Wright

doi:10.1117/12.544067

30 August 2004 Orbital express space operations architecture program

James Shoemaker, Melissa Wright

Proceedings Volume 5419, Spacecraft Platforms and Infrastructure; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.544067
Event: Defense and Security, 2004, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

The goal of the Orbital Express Space Operations Architecture program is to validate the technical feasibility of robotic, autonomous on-orbit refueling and reconfiguration of satellites to support a broad range of future U.S. national security and commercial space programs. Refueling satellites will enable frequent maneuvers to improve coverage, change arrival times to counter denial and deception, and improve survivability, as well as extend satellite lifetime. Electronics upgrades on-orbit can provide performance improvements and dramatically reduce the time to deploy new technology. The Orbital Express advanced technology demonstration will design, develop, and test on orbit a prototype servicing satellite (ASTRO), a surrogate next generation serviceable satellite (NEXTSat). The elements of the Orbital Express demonstration will be tied together by non-proprietary satellite servicing interfaces (mechanical, electrical, etc.) that will facilitate the development of an industry wide on-orbit servicing infrastructure. NASA will apply the sensors and software developed for autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations to enable future commercial resupply of the International Space Station.

Citation Download Citation

James Shoemaker and Melissa Wright "Orbital express space operations architecture program", Proc. SPIE 5419, Spacecraft Platforms and Infrastructure, (30 August 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.544067

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