Innovative methods for placing small payloads in space

Abstract

There has been a significant increase in demand for testing, qualification and evaluation of satellite components in space by means of secondary rides on primary payloads and launch vehicle structures. A critical category of secondary payload developers exists that have needs for space launch services: the new/innovative developers of space components that do not have the knowledge, resources, or contacts necessary to successfully test their technologies in space. Schafer Corporation and Stanford University's Space Systems Development Laboratory (SSDL) have collaborated on the investigation of new, evolutionary and revolutionary approaches to low-cost space technology demonstrations. This paper describes potential approaches for implementing proactive rideshare brokering services that span all communities and potential customers. Proactive rideshare brokering is a new approach, but for the most part, adopting proven practices from the international marketplace will make advances. The paper draws conclusions by comparing what is working in the international space community versus what the current practices are in the U.S. The recommendations reflect a reduced timeline approach that acknowledges the close coupling between the technology base, the space systems industry, infrastructure and educational processes.