Reusable satellite platforms

Characteristics of reusable satellite platforms for carriage into space and retrieval by the Shuttle are described. Initial flights will be into LEO with a configuration comprising a standard 4.4 m width, an acceptable mass-to-length ratio, a design that is amenable to a propulsion system for transfer to higher orbits, and no cradle. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic tubes with titanium node interconnections have been chosen for high stiffness, light weight, and to avoid thermal deformation, with the feature of 70 cm incremental changes in size. The first platform, carrying 10 experiments and having a total mass of 1700 kg, will be flown on STS-7. The platforms are intended to be recoverable from orbit by the Shuttle, to be returned to earth, refurbished, and relaunched, resulting in an approximately 67% reduction in satellite cost.