Development of the STRV 1c and 1d mission based on the experiences of STRV 1a and 1b

Abstract

Following the successful launch in June 1994 and subsequent operations in the geosynchronous transfer orbit of the space technology research vehicle (STRV 1a and STRV 1b) spacecraft, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency conducted a feasibility study and project definition phase for a follow-on mission. Having successfully completed these phases, the detailed design and construction of the STRV 1c and 1d spacecraft are now well advanced and a launch date is planned in early 2000. The mission objectives for the follow-on spacecraft are the same as they were for the initial mission, i.e. to enable international governments and industry to enhance operational space missions by proving new technologies in the highly stressing environment of the orbit aboard a low-cost, short time-scale series of small (>100 kg) satellites.

The author provides a description of the design of the STRV 1c and 1d spacecraft and ground segment and discusses the necessary evolution from the first mission design.

Keywords

small satellites system design satellite systems space research radiation

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References

Wells

STRV-1a/b: The first results. In Proceedings of the 8th Annual AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites, September 1994.

Blott

Wells

The space technology research vehicles: STRV-1a, b, c and d. In Proceedings of the 10th Annual AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites, September 1996.