Fast Access Spacecraft Testbed (FAST)
Program Manager: Mr. Roger Hall
The goal of the Fast Access Spacecraft Testbed (FAST) program is to demonstrate a suite of critical technologies including high efficiency solar cells, sunlight concentrating arrays, large deployable structures, and ultra light weight solar arrays. These technologies enable light-weight, high efficiency, and high-power satellites of 20kW scalable to 80kW or more. The specific power goal is 130 W/Kg yielding an ultra light-weight power system of approximately 230 Kg for a 30 kW array.
Combined with electric propulsion, FAST enables fast-transfer roaming satellites with nearly five times the fuel efficiency of conventional chemical propulsion. For example, FAST will permit on-demand access to any point on the geosynchronous ring or within the high-altitude, super synchronous “graveyard” (where derelict systems are regularly repositioned in order to free up orbital slots within the ring), greatly improving our ability to rapidly deploy and reposition satellites, as well as monitor the geosynchronous environment. Alternatively, FAST will permit responsive launch capabilities including deployment of small geosynchronous satellites on small launch vehicles. Scaled up systems will nearly double the effective satellite mass launched to high altitude orbits today, significantly downsizing the need for large launch vehicles.
