Name |
Slingshot-1 |
Type |
CubeSat |
Units or mass |
12U |
Status |
Operational (IAC 2022 paper confirmed commissioning is finished last checked 2022-12-20) |
Launched |
2022-07-02 |
NORAD ID |
52947 |
Deployer |
RailPOD [Tyvak],? |
Launcher |
LauncherOne (ELaNa 39) |
Organisation |
The Aerospace Corporation |
Institution |
Institute |
Entity |
Government (Civil / Military) |
Nation |
US |
Manufacturer |
AIVT by Blue Canyon |
Operator |
Blue Canyon |
Oneliner |
Advance on-orbit experiments using modular and autonomous technologies on next-generation satellite systems with SatCat5.
|
Description |
Program named Slingshot, which looks to advance on-orbit experiments using modular and autonomous technologies on next-generation satellite systems. In essence, Slingshot looks to simplify the architecture with open standards and plug-and-play interfaces to streamline bus-to-payload, satellite-to-satellite, and space-to-ground communications.
A key feature of the Slingshot platform is the use of SatCat5, an open source mixed-media ethernet switch architecture that enables a variety of devices to communicate on the same network. Unlike other existing standards, such as CAN and SpaceWire, SatCat5 is able to simultaneously provide high throughput and low-power consumption using ethernet technologies and an end-to-end payload development kit.
Slingshot also uses one common bus-to-payload interface, providing a reusable standard that can eliminate the ad-hoc proliferation of complex, dissimilar protocols that have historically bogged down connectivity and driven up costs.
Slated for launch in early 2022, the Slingshot 1 mission aims to prove the feasibility of providing a standard interface for multiple payloads on a single spacecraft flying in low Earth orbit. In addition to providing access to an on-orbit space test environment, the mission will demonstrate the capability of the SatCat5 ethernet standard, which would allow developers to employ commercial tools and open-source code from the extensive ethernet ecosystem.
In a further bid for increased satellite autonomy, the Slingshot 1 mission will also test the functionality of:
- VERTIGO – A modular attitude control system prototype that can enable satellites to point at targets on earth.
- BLINKER – A GPS transponder for space traffic management.
- HYPER – A hydrogen peroxide thruster.
- LASERCOMM – A next-generation space/ground lasercom downlink.
|
Sources |
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] |
Photo Sources |
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] |
Keywords |
Propulsion, Laser transmitter, Tracking Enhancement Device, License Plate Identification Tag |
Last modified: 2022-12-29
Detailed Slingshot-1 entry in the Database
Full Nanosats Database (much more data)