AFRL’s Multi-Satellite Deployment System (MSDS)

One new way to perform missions from space is the concept of clusters of microsatellites that operate cooperatively to perform the function of a larger, single satellite. Each smaller satellite communicates with the others and shares the processing, communications, and payload or mission functions. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is exploring this new paradigm for performing space missions in a partnership program with AFOSR, DARPA, STP and GSFC, called the University Nanosatellite program. Through this program, AFRL is sponsoring the development and launch of 9 university designed and built nanosatellites. The universities are pursuing creative low-cost space experiments to explore and demonstrate the usefulness of nanosatellites in such areas as miniature bus technologies, formation flying, enhanced communications, distributed satellite capabilities, and maneuvering. The satellites are planned to launch on two Shuttle flights in early 2003. The knowledge gained from this program will aid other Air Force programs such as TechSat-21. The Air Force Research Laboratory is also contributing to this effort by designing and building a Multi-Satellite Deployment System (MSDS). The MSDS is a platform designed to deploy multiple satellites to low-earth orbit using the Shuttle as the primary launch vehicle. The MSDS consists of an aluminum platform with two mounting locations, each of which can support a stack of one or more Nanosatellites. The MSDS/Nanosatellite system is attached to the Shuttle Hitchhiker Experiment Launch System (SHELS), and the entire assembly is installed in the Shuttle Payload Bay. Contingent on the success of the University Nanosatellite program first flights, the MSDS will be a viable platform for the launch and deployment of future small satellites