Sun, Aug 12, 2012
Random Vibration And Thermal Vacuum Tests Conducted I Louisville, CO
Random vibration and thermal vacuum testing of ORBCOMM's Generation 2 (OG2) prototype spacecraft has been completed by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Space Systems' facility in Louisville, CO.
The vibration and thermal vacuum testing is considered to be the most critical set of tests prior to launch. With testing complete, the spacecraft is now scheduled to be launched in conjunction with SpaceX’s first Cargo Re-supply Services mission to the International Space Station on the next Falcon-9 launch vehicle.
“We are pleased to announce the completion of critical environmental testing for this prototype OG2 spacecraft for ORBCOMM,” said Pat Remias, senior director of Programs for SNC’s Spacecraft Systems. “This milestone signals not only the readiness of this vehicle for launch, but also completes the design verification effort for SNC’s SN-100 spacecraft bus and demonstrates its suitability for a variety of space missions.”
The first ORBCOMM OG2 spacecraft, after an orbit-raising sequence unique to this launch profile, will serve as a prototype for a total of 18 new satellites that will constitute the company’s second generation satellite network. These satellites are designed to greatly enhance ORBCOMM’s space-based global Machine-to-Machine (M2M) network with greater bandwidth, more capacity and higher gain, all of which will deliver improved messaging performance, higher data transmission speeds, increased coverage and capacity several times that of the current first generation constellation. In addition to the M2M payload, each satellite also carries technology that will collect Automatic Identification System maritime tracking signals from around the globe, resulting in global “near-real-time” service upon completion of the constellation.
Sierra Nevada Corporation is the general contractor for all OG2 spacecraft, with Boeing Argon ST as a subcontractor providing the payload.
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]