This is one of those technologies that may change how sats are launched. Using larger boosters multiple sats components are launched in "crates" with items more compactly stowed
Quote from: oldAtlas_Eguy on 12/19/2015 08:16 pmThis is one of those technologies that may change how sats are launched. Using larger boosters multiple sats components are launched in "crates" with items more compactly stowedGenerally satellites are mass restricted, not volume. Crating and building is never going to be cheaper than just having the sticky-out-bits folded up for launch and deployed on-orbit.(FH lofting 50 tonnes in the F9 5x12m payload fairing might be an exception.)The only exception is where you have need to have components wide apart on booms/trusses. Interferometers and such. Especially if they mass more than one launch.(The components in the image in Chris' post are all things can could be more easily attached on the ground and deployed on-orbit. Like every solar array on every satellite. There's not enough 'there' there.)Perhaps a justification could be in congested GEO slots. If you had a large frame with common power/control-comms/attitude-control, serving standardised attachment points around the frame for customers to slot in their distinctive hardware. Location and utilities provided for a rental fee.Teleop bots would build (and periodically expand) the frame, swapping out solar panels, radiators, etc, as needed; and intercept and install incoming payloads from customers, swap out old "tenants". Perhaps even performing more detailed maintenance/upgrades on customer equipment, if they have a suitable bot-friendly design. For a fee that is much less than the cost of a new satellite/launch.(Anyone who read AC Clarke's original (manned) GEO "satellites" would see where I'm heading.)
“That can lead into on orbit assembly of all sorts of things if you really put your imagination money to it,” Estey explained.
For GEO satellites the payload only makes up 20% weight rest is satellite bus. This is how I see it working. With PP customer only needs build payload and sell its product. The PP would provide transport, communications (high speed uplink), power, thermal management and even aerials (built/3d print on site).
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 11/04/2016 04:40 pmFor GEO satellites the payload only makes up 20% weight rest is satellite bus. This is how I see it working. With PP customer only needs build payload and sell its product. The PP would provide transport, communications (high speed uplink), power, thermal management and even aerials (built/3d print on site).You have basically described a standard GEO satcom. There are already satcom contracts where one manufacturer builds the payload and another the bus. What makes SSL's solution special?