[amsat-bb] EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA)

["G. Beat \(W9GB\)" <gregory.beat@xxxxxxxxx>]

Lee -

This is encouraging.  Some type of adapter (ESPA) was going to be built -
since many of the future military and commercial proposals are using mini or
microsatellites designs (from Surrey, DoD contractors, others).

I especially like the fact that: "Secondary satellites must be added in
pairs to preserve mass balance, and individually may weigh up to 400 lbs."

So here is a real world situation today (DoD proposed/funded project):
TechSat 21 / Air Force Research Laboratory to launch 3 satellites in 2005
timeframe.  An EELV vehicle (Atlas or Delta) would be the primary candidate
launch system.

So will the Air Force / launch contractor use 400 pounds for mass balance or
an AMSAT satellite ?

There will likely be other opportunities prompted by the availability of
"dead weights".  Sounds like a nice contract  "Government contract for ESPA
mass balance device, to be available upon one week request.  Minimum order
of 20 units"

The only serious completion might be a politically connected concrete
contactor.  :-)

w9gb


----- Original Message -----
From: "Lee" <lee-fl@cfl.rr.com>
To: <amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org>
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2002 5:39 PM
Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Atlas 5 Test Flight


> Greg,
>
> I only heard about this a few days ago but was very encouraged to learn
that
> an EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) is being developed to provide a
> standard interface for up to six secondary payloads on EELV (Delta IV and
> Atlas V) launches.
>
> The ESPA is designed to use the excess EELV payload margin, expected on
> occasion to exceed 3,000 lbs. (~ 7%), to launch a set of secondary
> satellites in addition to the primary payload. The ESPA essentially
> substitutes for the normal primary payload adapter and provides six
> secondary payload mounting plates in a ring pattern on the outside of the
> circular adapter. Secondary satellites must be added in pairs to preserve
> mass balance, and individually may weigh up to 400 lbs.
>
> Some highlights of the program are:
>
> Available volume dimensions are up to 24x24x38
>
> Assuming some launch manifest cost sharing and a fully utilized ESAP,
total
> per-satellite launch costs are projected to be in the $300k to $900k
range.
>
> The DoD STP (Space Test Program) is committed to building and flight
> qualifying one ESPA, under a relaxed schedule, for a FY 2003 launch. They
> are pursuing cooperative agreements with both EELV contractors.
>
> ESPA Users Guide:
> http://www.te.plk.af.mil/stp/espa/espauser.pdf
>
>
> 73,
> Lee-KU4OS
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <gregory.beat@attbi.com>
> To: <amsat-bb@AMSAT.Org>
> Cc: <n8fgv@AMSAT.Org>
> Sent: Friday, August 23, 2002 15:05 PM
> Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Atlas 5 Test Flight
>
>
> > Dan -
> >
> > The eventual need for an "SBS-like" for the US launch
> > systems is a very good point.  The Atlas 5 (marketed by
> > ILS) and the Delta 4 (marketed by Boeing/old McD) were
> > developed as part of the Air Force EELV program.
> >
> > This may be the proper time to approach either the Air
> > Force or the laucnher contractors directly about the
> > potential development of an "SBS-like" structure for
> > these 2 launcher systems (and maybe the SeaLaunch Zenit
> > launcher also marketed by Boeing).
> >
> [snip]
>
>
> ----
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