SSL Selected to Conduct Power and Propulsion Study for NASA’s Deep Space Gateway Concept
11/15/2017
Continuing a legacy of bringing benefits of commercial capabilities to its missions, SSL proven systems considered for lunar orbiting spaceport
PALO ALTO, Calif. – November 15, 2017 – SSL, a business unit of Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.) (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR) and a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, announced today it was selected by NASA to conduct a four-month study for a module that will provide power and control for NASA’s deep space gateway concept. The contract award is a tangible demonstration of SSL leadership, experience, and commitment to space innovation.
The gateway will be a human crew-tended spaceport in lunar orbit that functions as an access point to the Moon and deep space. The power propulsion element (PPE), which will be the first gateway module launched, will serve as a building block to provide all power, maneuvering, attitude control, communications systems, and initial docking capabilities for the gateway. The SSL design for the PPE is expected to demonstrate the value and reliability of the company’s spacecraft capabilities, which includes a long track record of success in power and propulsion systems, and more commercial satellites operating in geostationary orbit today than from any other manufacturer.
“SSL is committed to advancing key space technologies and architectures that will lead humankind toward a new frontier of space exploration,” said Richard White, president, SSL Government Systems. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to demonstrate how our commercially proven systems can support NASA’s next generation missions.”
High power solar electric propulsion will be used to efficiently maneuver the PPE into its orbit and subsequently adjust the orbits of the gateway as needed. To meet the high level of power required for the gateway, SSL will leverage its extensive experience with solar electric propulsion, which includes 30 spacecraft on orbit today. The SSL concept includes the application of a Roll Out Solar Array (ROSA), which is a modular and scalable solar array system that rolls up for launch instead of folding like an accordion. ROSA was recently tested on the International Space Station and is qualified for use on the SSL 1300 spacecraft platform.
SSL has a rich legacy of working with NASA and bringing the benefits of commercial capabilities to its missions. The company provides experience across a variety of missions that use groundbreaking robotics and automation technologies to support the construction of future space infrastructure and deep space exploration. These include the Ixion initiative, a study evaluating the conversion of rocket upper stages into habitats for use on the deep space gateway and commercially in low Earth orbit and the Dragonfly program to develop on-orbit robotic satellite assembly capabilities, which SSL recently demonstrated on the ground. SSL is also providing the spacecraft for a NASA Discovery Mission to explore the asteroid Psyche.
About SSL
SSL, based in Palo Alto, California, is a leading provider of advanced spacecraft systems, with broad expertise to support commercial and government satellite operators and innovative space missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, in-orbit servicing, space exploration, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for 60 years, SSL’s advanced product line includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and autonomous solutions for remote operations. SSL is a business unit of Maxar Technologies, a U.S. operating company (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR). For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.
About Maxar Technologies
Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.) is a leading global provider of advanced space technology solutions for commercial and government markets including satellites, Earth imagery, geospatial data and analytics. As a trusted partner, Maxar Technologies provides unmatched end-to-end advanced systems capabilities and integrated solutions expertise to help our customers anticipate and address their most complex mission critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in 21 locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of commercial space brands includes: SSL, MDA, DigitalGlobe, and Radiant Solutions. Every day millions of people rely on Maxar Technologies to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that empower a better world. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information visit maxar.com.
