The Fast, Affordable, Science and Technology Satellite (FASTSAT) Mission

The Fast Affordable Science and Technology Spacecraft (FASTSAT - HSV01) is a mini-satellite weighing less than 150 kg. FASTSAT was developed as a government-industry collaborative research and development flight project targeting rapid access to space to provide an alternative, low cost platform for a variety of scientific, research, and technology payloads. This initial spacecraft mission carried six instruments and was launched as a secondary “rideshare” payload. The design approach greatly reduced overall mission costs while maximizing the on-board payload accommodations. FASTSAT was designed from the ground up to meet a challenging short schedule using modular components with a flexible, configurable layout to enable a broad range of payloads at a lower cost and shorter timeline than scaling down a more complex spacecraft. The integrated spacecraft along with its payloads were readied for launch in 15 months from authority to proceed. As an Enhanced Expendable Launch Vehicle Secondary Payload Adaptor ESPA-class spacecraft, FASTSAT is compatible with a variety of launch vehicles. These vehicles offer an array of options for launch sites and provide for a variety of rideshare possibilities