A new Service Module for the MASER Sounding Rocket program
- Paper number
IAC-06-A2.5.07
- Author
Mr. Gunnar Florin, Swedish Space Corporation, Sweden
- Coauthor
Mr. Jimmy Thorstenson, Swedish Space Corporation, Sweden
- Coauthor
Mr. Gunnar Andersson, Swedish Space Corporation, Sweden
- Coauthor
Mr. Marcus Törnqvist, Swedish Space Corporation, Sweden
- Coauthor
Mr. John Turner, Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Germany
- Year
2006
- Abstract
A new Service Module (MASM-2) is developed for use in the SSC MASER program, which provides more than 6 minutes of microgravity conditions for over 250 kg of experiment payload mass. MASER is launched from the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) launching range ESRANGE in northern Sweden. The new Service Module is developed jointly by DLR-Moraba and SSC, and is based on the design of the Service Module MASM-1, which was developed jointly by SSC and DLR for ESA. The main objectives were to reduce refurbishment costs and mass, and to increase the performance of the service systems. The MASM-1 was successfully flown on MASER 8 in May 1999, MASER 9 in MASER 2002 and MASER 10 in May 2005. The MASM-1 incorporated Rate Control System with optical fiber gyros, Telemetry and Telecommand System, Power System and a Sensor System with accelerometer system for fine and course measurements. The Service Module also provided Lift-Off and Microgravity signals to the experiment modules. With MASER 9, Digital Video transmission to ground was introduced as a compliment to analogue TV transmission, and on MASER 10 the TV system was completely replaced by a Digital Video System from Techno System Developments, with compressed image transmission bandwidth of 5 Mbps. The new Service Module will include design upgrades and improved provision of services to the experiment payloads, while maintaining all the design advantages of the MASM-1. The telemetry data and Digital Video transmission capability will be increased to up to 32 Mbps data rate, compared to the total 10 Mbps feasible on MASM-1. Both the uplink and the downlinks protocols will be CCSDS compatible. On-board storage of all MASM data will support post-flight analyses and can also be used as data retrieval back-up MASM-2 can carry an interface compatible with the TEXUS/MAXUS telemetry system. The MASM-2 will, for payload positioning, carry a GPS receiver for constant flight tracking, which further secures fast retrieval of the experiment payload. The mechanical layout will be upgraded, and the MASM-2 will still use the 17” structure diameter. In this presentation, we will focus on the technical performance of the new Service Module and its application in the MASER program.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-A2.5.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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