First Commercial Cubesat Deployed Into Orbit by SpaceX Moves
Microsatellites Closer To Demonstrating Unique Capabilities
A Mayflower test microsatellite was launched into orbit recently
aboard a SpaceX booster. Data gathered from around the world was
analyzed, showing all tested systems functioned correctly including
a new, previously unproven advanced solar cell deployment system.
While this first flight collected baseline design data, subsequent
flights at higher altitudes will demonstrate unique propulsion,
communication and orientation capabilities, and novel payloads.
Cubesat NASA Image
"Microsatellites are an important part of our future in
advancing and maturing technologies," said Paul Meyer, vice
president and general manager of advanced programs and technology
at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "We are pleased to be
working with Applied Minds to develop the technologies that will
make microsatellites successful, and make space mission
participation more accessible to nontraditional partners."
The satellite, launched on Dec. 8, 2010, was the first
commercial cubesat deployed into orbit by SpaceX. A cubesat is a
type of miniaturized spacecraft used for research. Mayflower was
launched on a Falcon 9 Dragon test mission and successfully
injected into an elliptical orbit approximately 285 kilometers
above earth. The system was designed to test a set of
microsatellite components in space. Following standard
specifications, microsatellites easily combine with one another
onto existing rockets, and only require low development costs,
making space mission participation more accessible to those outside
the industry.
Mayflower and other microsatellites are being jointly developed
by Applied Minds and Northrop Grumman, expanding the types of
payloads on satellites, and consequently, the types of missions
completed by satellites.
Built at Applied Minds in 2010, Mayflower and a payload designed
by the University of Southern California were integrated and tested
at Northrop Grumman, and then integrated into the Falcon 9 Dragon
test mission by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis
Obispo.
"This was an exciting mission for us, and we are proud to be
SpaceX's first nongovernment customer," said Danny Hillis,
co-founder of Applied Minds. "We hope to launch many more
satellites with them in the future." Applied Minds invents,
designs, creates and prototypes high technology products and
services for a broad range of commercial and government
applications including aerospace, transportation, education,
architecture, distance collaboration, advanced visualization,
electronics and software.