Commercial Approach to Research Outside the International Space Station - A Small Size Precursor Service For Future In-Orbit Testing

Abstract

A first realization of a small size External Payload Platform (EPP) on the International Space Station (ISS) accessible for payloads on a commercial basis is discussed in detail on a technical as well as programmatic level. The opportunities of this approach and the paradigm change it introduces to ISS operations are assessed regarding future research activities. A comparison to common satellite mission options is drawn to show the added value of the ISS as a platform for small payloads operated in low Earth orbit. The EPP concept represents a new low-cost research infrastructure which transforms the station into a commercial experimental laboratory in space with the capability to support various types of missions, from Earth observation and communication applications to technology demonstration, flight qualification missions, or in-orbit demonstration missions, and also classical microgravity research in combination with the space environment. The small payload dilemma to satisfy operational requirements and to design a cost-efficient mission can be overcome by the use of ISS as payload platform with EPP being a low-cost and fast track access solution.