KAP - a new standard platform for in-orbit verification providing efficient access to space
- Paper number
IAC-06-B5.5.05
- Author
Dr. Clemens Kaiser, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Eckart Wulf, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The success of Kayser-Threde's test satellite MAQSAT-B2 for L521 (2nd Ariane 5 ECA qualification flight) which was equipped with experiments, sensors and an autonomous telemetry system has led to the development of a new experimental platform called KAP (Kayser-Threde Arianespace Platform) allowing an efficient access to space for technology in-orbit verification and small scientific experiments. KAP will be mounted to the launcher underneath the primary passengers like a MFD as a piggy-back solution in the launcher payload bay and will remain attached to the upper stage. Although being flexible in terms of e.g. possible payload to be accommodated and number of needed batteries, the whole KAP shall be trimmed in such a way to have identical mechanically and dynamically properties to be finally like a black box easily to be adapted to the launcher payload configuration for the launcher authority. As a result of a Phase A study co-funded by DLR in the frame of its OOV program, three baseline mission scenarios have been defined: 3 hours (to monitor online experiments / technology demonstrators exposed to the launcher environment), 3 days (starting after upper stage passivation) for short experiments and 1 year. The technical concept - both mechanical and electrical - is mainly based on existing and flight proven technologies both from MAQSAT-B2 and Kayser-Threde's successful sounding rocket program TEXUS/MAXUS. Especially the data acquisition and telemetry unit as heart of KAP's experimental payload infrastructure is adapted from these programs to the specific mission needs. KAP provides an auxiliary payload mass of up to 220 kg on Ariane 5 to GTO leading to favourable launch costs for the experimenters. A Demonstrator Mission on Ariane 5 is under detailed investigation for an envisaged launch in the first quarter of 2008. KAP on VEGA for LEO applications is the next step to adapt the concept to other members of the European Launcher Family (including SOYUZ). Especially for VEGA it is planned to stabilize the platform by simple means providing an optimum environment for microgravity experiments. The paper shall give an overview on the current technical and programmatic status of KAP derived in strong colaboration with Arianespace. Technical details and interfaces shall be presented to maximum extent to have full view on KAP capabilities as a future recurring, reliable and affordable access to space for small payloads.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-B5.5.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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