Demonstration and Science
Experiments Spacecraft
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate DSX Mission will research technologies needed to significantly advance Department of Defense (DoD) capability to operate spacecraft in the harsh radiation environment of medium-Earth orbits (MEO). MicroSat System's (MSI) role is the design, fabrication, testing and delivery of the spacecraft bus, solar array and power system. MSI will also provide early payload integration prior to delivery to AFRL.
The ability to operate effectively in the MEO environment significantly increases the DoD's capability to field space systems that provide persistent global targeting-grade space surveillance, high-speed satellite-based communication, lower-cost GPS navigation, and protection from space weather on a responsive satellite platform. DSX uses a modular design that allows for launch either as a primary satellite on a smaller launcher, such as a Minotaur, or as a secondary payload on a larger rocket, such as the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV).
Design Features:
• DSX's flexible design structure (a derivative of MSI's modular TacSat-2 bus) will maximize the compatibility with numerous launch vehicles
• MSI is providing an 600 kg satellite for the cost of an 180 kg bus
• Spacecraft bus built around the EELV secondary payload adapter (ESPA) ring. Concept utilizes ESPA as the primary spacecraft structure: instead of deploying secondary microsatellites, the ESPA ring becomes part of the spacecraft
• Spacecraft avionics and science payloads are housed in a pair of modules (Avionics and Payload Module) that are mounted on opposite ends of the ESPA ring
• Avionics module provides primary bus functions for payloads and experiments (includes power generation and storage, power management and distribution, attitude determination and control, thermal control, communications, command and data handling, and structural support and mechanisms)
Planned Launch: 2010 on EELV
