Orbital: Cygnus Update Thread

[Ronsmytheiii]

Here is a presentation of the ATK Ultraflex arrays which appear to be utilized:

http://www.atk.com/Products/documents/UltraFlex%202011c.pdf

[Ronsmytheiii]

Confirmed:

ATK (NYSE: ATK) was awarded a $20 million contract by Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) to provide its UltraFlex™ solar arrays to power Orbital's enhanced Cygnus™ cargo logistics space vehicle, which is being utilized under NASA's Commercial Resupply System contract.

 http://www.sacbee.com/2011/11/30/4089059/atk-awarded-20-million-ultraflex.html#ixzz1fCgKqT8b

[Robotbeat]

Good idea on the Ultraflex... made in America (I think... well, assembled at least) and very lightweight for the power it produces.

[Space Pete]

The PCM also appears to have been stretched by roughly 1/3 of its previous length.

[Ronsmytheiii]

The PCM also appears to have been stretched by roughly 1/3 of its previous length.

Yes that would be the PCM+ configuration, with an extra band added to add more pressurized volume/cargo lift. This configuration depends on the introduction of the Castor XL upper stage for performance increase. The first flight of Castor 30 XL will be on Taurus II flight 5, or OSC CRS flight 3.

[Space Pete]

Cygnus Enhanced Spacecraft to Use Ultraflex™ Solar Arrays

November 2011

Orbital has selected lightweight ATK Ultraflex solar arrays to power its enhanced Cygnus cargo logistics module beginning with the fourth mission under Orbital's Cargo Resupply Services agreement with NASA to provide cargo logistics services to the International Space Station. The enhanced Cygnus variant incorporates a larger pressurized cargo module that can carry up to 2700 kg of crew supplies, spares and scientific experiments to the ISS. Measuring more than 11 feet in diameter, the Ultraflex arrays will provide the same power as the arrays to be used in the first three Cygnus missions but with significantly reduced mass.

http://www.orbital.com/CargoResupplyServices

[mmeijeri]

Hmm, what happened to the Dutch Space deal? Edit: looks as if the first three will be the Dutch Space panels, after which they will switch to the lighter ATK panels.

[Jason1701]

What's PDRF/FRGF?

[Space Pete]

What's PDRF/FRGF?

PDGF is Power Data Grapple Fixture, a powered grapple point for the SSRMS, located on the Aft of the Cygnus SM. It will be used to capture the free-flying Cygnus.

FRGF is Flight Releasable Grapple Fixture, an unpowered grapple point for the SSRMS, located on the side of the Cygnus SM. I think it will be used during relocations of Cygnus from Node 2 Nadir to Node 2 Zenith, as using the PDGF for relocations creates SSRMS clearance issues.

[Robotbeat]

Really glad about the Ultraflex panels... such good technology, I'm glad it's getting more business. They have state-of-the-art specific power (up to ~150W/kg at the solar array level, several times what ISS's solar arrays have), and the more people who use them, the more it will encourage development in that direction.

[AnalogMan]

What's PDRF/FRGF?

PDGF - Power and Data Grapple Fixture
FRGF - Flight Releasable Grapple Fixture

These can be grabbed by the ISS robotic arm to allow the spacecraft to be positioned for berthing.

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[simonbp]

Hmm, what happened to the Dutch Space deal? Edit: looks as if the first three will be the Dutch Space panels, after which they will switch to the lighter ATK panels.

Interesting. So the first three flights (COTS, CRS1, and CRS2) will be "Cygnus PCM" with Castor 30, short PCM, and Dutch solar panels. Then, the following flights will be a "Cygnus PCM+" with Castor 30XL, longer PCM, and ATK Ultraflex panels.

Am I getting that right?

[Ronsmytheiii]

From the announcement is sounds like the ultraflex will only be incorporated on CRS 4, so CRS 3 will probably have the Dutch arrays but with a PCM+ .

beginning with the fourth mission under Orbital's Cargo Resupply Services agreement

[spectre9]

Looks awesome with the rounded panels.

Thanks for the updates and pictures guys 

[Ronsmytheiii]

Here is a presentation of the ATK Ultraflex arrays which appear to be utilized:

http://www.atk.com/Products/documents/UltraFlex%202011c.pdf

More:

http://www.atk.com/capabilities_space/documents/UltraFlex.pdf