System F6

Program Manager: Dr. Owen Brown

Overview

The goal of the System F6 program is to demonstrate a radically new space system composed of a heterogeneous network of formation flying or loosely connected small satellite modules that will, working together, provide at least the same effective mission capability of a large monolithic satellite.  Current large space systems used for national security purposes are constrained due to their monolithic architecture.  They can be launched only on a small number of large launch vehicles, cannot readily be upgraded and/or reconfigured with new hardware on-orbit, and are risk-intensive, since the unforgiving launch and space environments can result in a total loss of investment with one mistake.  The System F6 will partition the tasks performed by monolithic spacecraft (power, receivers, control modules, etc.) and assign each task to a dedicated small or micro satellite.  This fractionated space system offers the potential for reduced risk, greater flexibility (e.g. simplified on-orbit servicing, reconfigurability to meet changing mission needs), payload isolation, faster deployment of initial capability, and potential for improved survivability.  This program will develop, design, and test new space system architectures and technologies required to successfully decompose a spacecraft into fundamental elements.  Such architectures include, but are not limited to, ultra-secure intra-system wireless data communications, wireless power systems, electromagnetic formation flying systems, remote attitude determination systems, structure-less optical and RF arrays, distributed spacecraft computing systems, and reliable, robust, rapidly re-locatable ground systems.

Papers

• Suggested Terminology for Value Modeling Discussions: April 2008
• System Lifecycle Cost Under Uncertainty as a Design Metric Encompassing the Value of Architectural Flexibility: April 2008
• Bibliographic Guide to Value-Centric Design: March 2008
• The Value Proposition for Fractionated Space Architectures: January 2008
• Fractionated Space Architectures - A Vision for Responsive Space: January 2008
• Reducing Risk of Large Scale Space Systems Using a Modular Architecture: May 2004
• Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Notional Fractionated Satcom Architecture: May 2006

Briefings

• System F6 Overview: May 2008
• Industry Day Briefing: July 2007
• Glossary of Terms: July 2007
• Fractionated Spacecraft Workshop: August 2006

Last Updated: 07/09/08