Slingshot 1

Slingshot 1 [The Aerospace Corporation]

Slingshot is a program, which looks to advance on-orbit experiments using modular and autonomous technologies on next-generation satellite systems. In essence, Slingshot looks to simplify the architecture with open standards and plug-and-play interfaces to streamline bus-to-payload, satellite-to-satellite, and space-to-ground communications.

A key feature of the Slingshot platform is the use of SatCat5, an open source mixed-media ethernet switch architecture that enables a variety of devices to communicate on the same network. Unlike other existing standards, such as CAN and SpaceWire, SatCat5 is able to simultaneously provide high throughput and low-power consumption using ethernet technologies and an end-to-end payload development kit.

Slingshot 1 carries following experiments:

• VERTIGO – A modular attitude control system prototype that can enable satellites to point at targets on earth.
• BLINKER – A GPS transponder for space traffic management.
• HYPER – A hydrogen peroxide thruster.
• LASERCOMM – A next-generation space/ground lasercom downlink.