Alternative Program Approaches for the Advanced Satellite Technology Program
Abstract
DARPA's Advanced Satellite Technology Program (ASTP) has three basic objectives: 1) to create a set of low-cost, lightweight satellites; 2) to create a low-cost launch capability to be used with the lightweight satellites; 3) to demonstrate military utility for the satellite system to a broad class of tactical as well as strategic operational military commanders. This demonstration will include providing the low-cost satellites on-orbit that perform the required military function, assuring a means of access to space for that satellite across a wide range of conflict scenarios, and integrating the ground support necessary to achieve the military utility objective. The contractor has examined the feasibility of various ASTP concepts. The concept that is the most likely to be supported by the operational community, and least able to be opposed by the traditional space community, is one for which a trans and post SIOP survivability requirement can be justified. The most important technology that must be demonstrated is one that helps control satellite development costs, and launch preparation costs. Because the ASTP has a very ambitious program schedule, and a very complex program, DARPA should give serious consideration to running the program with a much higher level of systems engineering and technical assistance support than is normally used on DARPA programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188917
Entities
People
- John A. Friel
Organizations
- Leidos