OSC: MicroStar

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MicroStar (Orbcomm) [OSC]	MicroStar (double) (OrbView 1) [OSC]
BATSAT (Teledesic T1) [OSC]
MicroStar-2 (generic) [Orbital]

Designed to be launched in multiple or "piggyback" units, Orbital'sinnovativeMircroStar satellite platform supports payloads up to 68 kgand provides a three- to five-year mission life. The baseline bus is comprised of threerings stacked together vertically – a core ring housing all primary spacecraft bussystems and a payload support module consisting of two rings and a payload mounting shelf.Payloads requiring different depths can be easily accommodated by using fewer rings, or bycreating a custom ring. The open avionics architecture, stackable mechanical design andscalable spacecraft design maximize payload performance and flexibility.

The MicroStar configuration is applicable for a variety of missions, from technologydemonstrations to space science programs such asQuikTOMS.MicroStar is also an ideal bus for science missions that require simultaneous deploymentof multiple spacecraft, as in certain magnetospheric and ionospheric investigations.

Using a production line approach for assembly and testing, Orbital has delivered 38MicroStar spacecraft, including 26Orbcommsatellites launched in 10 months. This approach provides cost and schedule advantagesthrough the use of mature designs, familiar manufacturing and test equipment, dedicatedand experienced personnel, and established vendor sources. The production line hasremained in place to supportOrbcomm spares andindividual MicroStar missions such asT1 andMUBLCOM. NASA'sQuikTOMSspacecraft is also taking advantage of this production line.

MicroStar's unique, stackable design offers frequent, cost-effectivelaunch-sharing opportunities. For example, eightOrbcommsatellites are launched at one time on a Pegasus. While MicroStar is optimized forOrbital'sPegasus andTaurus launch vehicles, it can fly on other vehicles aswell.

Customers can purchase the MicroStar spacecraft alone, or as part of a turn-key servicethat includes operations and data delivery as well. For theOrbView 1 program, Orbital provided end-to-endpayload services. The company produced the satellite bus, integrated two payloads, andlaunched the satellite on Pegasus.

The MicroStar platform was originally developed to support theOrbcomm wireless data communications system, whichprovides real-time, mobile, two-way data and messaging communications services worldwide.The first three MicroStar units,Orbcomm FM-1 & -2and theOrbView 1 remote sensing satellite, werelaunched on a single Pegasus in April 1995. Entering their fifth year of operation, thesesatellites continue to operate reliably.

The MicroStar-2 platform replaces the ring structure by a hexagonal structure.

Source: OSC Microstar Data Sheet