Small satellite pioneer Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) plans to jump-start space innovation by combining state-of-the-art avionics with flight proven systems in a low cost 50kg class satellite platform – and for a price tag of around £2m.
Adopting a new set of satellite design paradigms, the SSTL-50 microsatellite has a novel dual-mode design with the sole purpose of supporting and stimulating payload and subsystem innovation. One side of the spacecraft will fly the latest avionics, subsystems and high speed electronics available – either customer supplied or from SSTL - while the other side contains SSTL’s flight proven systems, offering low risk, managed redundancy.
Doug Liddle, Head of Science commented, “We call it technology leapfrogging – we are offering our customers a platform with the very latest technologies combined with the peace of mind of our heritage systems. It’s also a very flexible design making it suitable for a wide range of applications including imaging, communications or even space science. ”
Despite its small size, the SSTL-50 is a sophisticated satellite with sufficient payload accommodation to carry commercial payloads such as the SSTL 22m SLIM-6 imager or low power RF payloads. This platform is also designed for flexible payload integration, providing a vehicle to trial innovative payloads in space – with a rapid delivery of just 12 months from kick-off.
For many institutions, launch and insurance costs can constrain space programs and prevent payloads from being demonstrated in space. In addition to the cost savings offered by its low mass, two SSTL-50 satellites can be launched in a face-to-face “brace” position, making the most efficient use of available space in the launch vehicle.
Supporting capacity building and training the next generation of space engineers is another important role for the SSTL-50, where it provides the facility to develop a low cost but fully capable mission in parallel to a training and development programme.
About SSTL
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is the world's leading small satellite company, delivering operational space missions for a range of applications including Earth observation, science and communications. The Company designs, manufactures and operates high performance satellites and ground systems for a fraction of the price normally associated with space missions, with over 400 staff working on turnkey satellite platforms, space-proven satellite subsystems and optical instruments.
Since 1981 SSTL has built and launched 36 satellites – as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services, and mission studies for ESA, NASA, international governments and commercial customers, with its innovative approach that is changing the economics of space.
Based in Guildford, UK, SSTL is owned by EADS Astrium NV.
www.sstl.co.uk