Fast Access Spacecraft Testbed (FAST)

Program Manager: Mr. Jess Sponable

Overview

The goal of the Fast Access Spacecraft Testbed (FAST) program is to develop and perform ground demonstrations of a 20 kW High Power Generation Subsystem (HPGS) that, when combined with state-of-the-art electric propulsion systems, will form the technological basis for a light weight, high power, highly mobile spacecraft platform. The system will be scalable to produce as much as 50-80 kW for operational users, but at high specific power levels (130 W/kg or better for the solar power system, 3-4x that of conventional systems). The FAST HPGS would also greatly enhance the performance of historically “power-starved” payloads, such as high-bandwidth communications, radar, and lidar.

Total HPGS mass (and specific power calculations) will include solar concentration and collection, power conversion, power management and distribution, heat rejection, structures and deployment elements, along with necessary sun pointing and tracking mechanisms. The preliminary design will be supported by an assessment of HPGS interfaces with prospective payloads and electric space propulsion systems. After verifying that the prototype hardware, test plans, and performance criteria are well understood, full scale thermal vacuum testing (with a solar simulator) and mechanical deployment testing will occur.

Last Updated: 08/11/08