ASTEC
Advanced Space Technologies and Emerging Concepts
Under contract to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate, SDL conducted a study to identify an "Innovative Design, Low Cost Nano-Satellite." The objective of ASTEC was to determine the feasibility issues and costs associated with the development and manufacturing of 100 servicing satellites.
AFRL directed SDL to perform three tasks:
- Develop a conceptual spacecraft design
- Investigate and develop a mission scenario that would allow spacecraft to meet mission goals
- Develop streamlined methodology for the design and manufacture of spacecraft in order to reduce the cost to approximately $1 million per satellite
