Multi-Mission MicroSat

Type A Launch Option Pegasus Taurus

Type B Launch Option ESPA

The Multi-Mission MicroSat (M3Sat) Bus integrates mature system designs, heritage subsystems, and proven bus technologies into a modular spacecraft architecture that adapts easily to a variety of unique mission profiles. Maximized payload resources and simplified interfaces enable rapid development and integration. The Integrated Spacecraft Avionics Package (ISAP) performs power control, ACS, C&DH, Communications (SGLS or CCSDS), GPS, and payload processing functions on orbit within a <6 Kg., <6500 cm3 unit.

The ISAP integrates Power Control Electronics and a Power PC RAD750 computer into a high performance host platform with precision pointing flight software. The low-mass, low-distortion composite thermomechanical structure is integrated with the advanced Centralized Thermal Bus (CTB). This allows thermal load sharing and provides an a-thermalized system design that enables flexible component packaging insensitive to solar position or variation. The fusion of miniaturized sensors and actuators with rendezvous and formation flying adaptive algorithms enable proximity operations and precision pointing. Open system architecture offers payload providers standard bus accommodations employing nonproprietary interfaces. M3Sat fuses mature technologies and novel packaging techniques for maximum performance, scalable to multiple mission needs.

The Multi-Mission MicroSat (M3Sat) spacecraft bus is developed to meet the increased customer needs of rapid deployment and low cost space missions.

M3Sat is available in two classes in order to meet a wide variety of payloads and to take advantage of all launch opportunities. M3Sat accommodates existing launch vehicles such as Pegasus, Taurus, Minotaur and ESPA (Delta II and Atlas), as well as future launch concepts such as FALCON.

ATK provides a highly capable avionics system that is supported by a FLATSAT version enabling system design, software, and hardware testing early in the mission. The smallest M3Sat configuration employs the Integrated Spacecraft Avionics Package (ISAP) that performs all flight avionics, power control, ACS, C&DH, SGLS Comm. (or CCSDS Comm), GPA and payload processing functions within a <6Kg <6500 cm3 unit.

M3Sat utilizes mature new technologies for maximum performance, while maintaining rapid development and low cost. We employ world-class capabilities in space thermal systems management and incorporate centralized thermal bus techniques when mission requirements dictate. This system allows flexible component placements and insensitivity of the bus to solar position or variability. Coupled with a simple modular structure and non-proprietary interfaces, the flexible thermal management system allows multiple mission support and rapid deployment.

Contact

space@atk.com