The Fairchild Leasecraft system - A commercially-operated platform for science and business in space

Design features and mission profiles for the Leasecraft free-flying platforms are described. The Leasecraft would use multimission modular spacecraft (MMS) configured for launch by the Shuttle, transfer to 28.5 deg polar sunsynchronous inclination orbits, and return for later retrieval with the RMS arm, changeout and replacement of the payload, and return to the sunsynchronous orbit. The Leasecraft would have two optional solar power panels, an attitude control subsystem, a special function module, and a TDRSS antenna, as well as a propulsion subsystem that would also be refueled during Orbiter rendezvous. Payloads would be categorized as primary or secondary, with the former claiming priority on the spacecraft attitude, mission modes, and revisit intervals. An example of a primary mission would be the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility, while secondary paylods could include materials processing experiments and search and rescue transponders. Primary services are expected to cost $2-4 million/month, while secondary services run $0.5-1 million/month.