May 17, 2007

CSA has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 contract by the Air Force to develop low cost, modular, spacecraft bus structures for responsive space (war fighter) missions. The bus structures are based on an open architecture approach which requires only simple hand tools to quickly assemble scalable, reconfigurable designs constructed from an inventory of low cost aluminum sandwich panels, extruded preforms and simple interface fittings. The open architecture eases integration for flight components and sensors within the responsive space inventory, as well as the physical interfaces to payload carriers and launch vehicles. The bus architecture also provides mechanical, electrical, and thermal control hardware interfaces compatible with existing (standardized) technologies while accommodating evolving interfaces requirements and sensor technologies. Structural behavior management, such as integrated structural damping, is easily implemented to reduce launch and/or operational vibration environments into critical components. This program supports the Operationally Responsive Space initiative of the Air Force.