Benefits and Challenges of Hosting Payloads in LEO and GEO

Paper number

IAC-14,D1,7,5,x26437

Coauthor

Mr. Albert Weitzel, Space Systems/Loral, United States Minor Outlying Islands

Coauthor

Mr. Pat Malaviarachchi, MDA, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. David Spalti, MDA, Canada

Coauthor

Mr. Chuck Cynamon, SSL Federal, LLC, United States

Year

2014

Abstract

MDA and its subsidiary SSL have identified over 180 LEO and 100 GEO potential hosting opportunities over the 2016 to 2020 timeframe. We have a proven track record of past performance including 5 LEO and 12 GEO hosted payload programs that were developed and launched. From the host payload customer’s perspective, affordability is a primary motivating factor for hosting payloads on commercial satellites. From the standpoint of systems engineering strength and manufacturing excellence, MDA/SSL is positioned to find cost effective solutions that serve both the interests of the primary mission as well as the host payload community. 

Our hosting approach in LEO includes:  a) teaming with a variety of commercial LEO operators; b) offering access to MDA’s planned LEO satellites; and, c) offering access to international opportunities.  Our hosting approach in GEO is to leverage SSL, a global leader in the manufacture of competitively awarded commercial GEO satellites. SSL is an ideal source of hosting opportunities and a supplier that is familiar with the unique challenges of hosting a GEO payload.

MDA/SSL has a well-established process to perform the systems engineering required to accommodate multiple payloads competing for spacecraft resources. Platform modularity and scalability are key features to support a wide range of host payload configurations.

This paper will describe how past hosting missions were successful, the challenges that had to be overcome, a process for establishing new hosted payload relationships, and insight into our future hosting opportunities list. In addition, we will describe how MDA/SSL has teamed with commercial industry leaders in LEO and top owner-operators in GEO to provide opportunities for the host payload community.

Abstract document

IAC-14,D1,7,5,x26437.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-14,D1,7,5,x26437.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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