At a press conference at #35SS, Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck is announcing Photon, a satellite bus based on the Electron rocket’s kick stage. Customers “need only bring their payload or idea,” and Rocket Lab will offer a turnkey service to get it into orbit.
Rocket Lab is now building customizable satellitesJust add a payload and then launchBy Loren Grush on April 8, 2019 7:00 pmSmall satellite launcher Rocket Lab is getting into the business of making satellites in addition to launching them. The company announced today that it is offering a new service to customers: a standard satellite that can be tailored to anyone’s low Earth orbit business needs. Such satellites are designed to launch to orbit on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket, creating a streamlined mission to space.
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONSAvailable payload mass Up to 170 kg (orbit dependent). From 37 degrees to SSOAvailable payload volume Electron fairing envelopePayload power (peak) 100 W to 1 kWPayload energy/orbit Up to 300 WhrSystem voltage 28 V unregulated; regulated options availablePointing accuracy 5 deg to 50 arc-secSlew rate Up to 5 deg/sPointing stability Up to TBS arcsec/secOrbit knowledge 5 - 10 mDelta-v capacity Payload dependentPayload data interfaces LVDS, ethernet, CAN, RS422/485Payload data storage Up to 1 TBTelemetry & command frequencies S-band (space operations)Telemetry and command data rate Up to 512 kbpsPayload transmitter Payload dependent; multiple options availableOrbit type and lifetime LEO > 5 years
RL has come quite a ways quite quickly. Their PR bills them as the leading smallsat launch provider. That's almost not hyperbolic. It will be interesting to see what uptake they get. Also interesting will be the story behind the name choice. (I guess photon goes with electron in a way...)
A while back Jon and were discussing using Electron to launch a mini Cygnus. The Photon would be perfect module for mini Cygnus. Only issue with ISS is its high safety requirements which pushes up cost of a cargo vehicle especially small disposable one. Would work better with unmanned commercial robotic station with less strict requirements. Alternatively with space tug that would handle ISS approach.With payload mass of 170kg, should be good for 100 cargo allowing 70kg for pressure vessel. Would need to enter an airlock to avoid expensive and heavy docking/berthing port.
How feasible would it be to use Photon as a transfer stage to low lunar orbit for small sats?