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Ball Aerospace Completes CDR For USAF STP-SIV Program
Boulder CO (SPX) Oct 19, 2007 Ball Aerospace and Technologies has successfully completed the Space Test Program Standard Interface Vehicle (STP-SIV) Critical Design Review (CDR) for the United States Air Force. Ball Aerospace is developing the STP-SIV program for the Space and Missile's Command Space Development and Test Wing Space Development Group. The CDR demonstrated the design maturity of the spacecraft bus to perform over a wide range of orbit conditions and payload operating parameters, and also validated payload accommodation design and test plans. Representatives from the Development Group at Kirtland Air Force Base, Aerospace Corp., AeroAstro, Inc., Broad Reach Engineering, and prime contractor Ball Aerospace participated in the CDR. The Air Force determined that the CDR criteria had been successfully met to proceed with fabrication, assembly, payload integration, and test activities for the space vehicle and the detailed Integration and Test procedure development. "The successful STP-SIV CDR establishes the baseline for this important program that is a key enabler for Operationally Responsive Space," said Fred Doyle, vice president and general manager for Ball Aerospace's National Defense Solutions business unit. "The advancement of the STP-SIV program continues the success Ball Aerospace celebrated earlier this year through our involvement in the Air Force STP-1 mission in providing the serviceable NextSat satellite for the Orbital Express Mission." The STP, managed by the Space Development and Test Wing of the Air Force Space and Missile Command at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, has launched more than 400 space technology experiments and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The goal of the STP-SIV program is to increase flexibility and reduce the cost of small satellite missions through the use of a standard bus design and standard payload interface capable of supporting a variety of experimental payloads and launch vehicles. Ball Aerospace was awarded the contract in 2006 for up to six vehicle delivery orders. As prime contractor, Ball Aerospace is responsible for the overall system including the standard payload interface design, payload integration, space vehicle environmental testing, and launch and mission support. AeroAstro is responsible for supplying the spacecraft bus as well as providing integration, launch and mission operation support. CommunityEmail This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Ball Aerospace Military Space News at SpaceWar.com
China ASAT Test Exposed US Vulnerabilities Washington (AFP) Oct 18, 2007 US Defense Secretary Robert Gates Wednesday said a Chinese anti-satellite test earlier this year exposed US vulnerabilities in space and he called on the military to protect "unfettered" US access to space. Gates referred to the Chinese anti-satellite test at a change of command ceremony at the US Strategic Command, which is responsible for US nuclear forces, missile defense and military operations in space and cyberspace. |
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