BOULDER, Colo., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Space Test Program Standard Interface Vehicle (STP-SIV) built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. for the Space Development and Test Wing of the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center is scheduled to launch aboard a Minotaur IV rocket as part of the STP-S26 mission from Alaska's Kodiak Launch Complex on November 19.
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STPSat-2 is the first spacecraft in Ball's STP Standard Interface Vehicle product line that is compatible with multiple launch vehicles and supports a variety of experimental and risk reduction payloads at different low-Earth orbits. The standard payload interface can support up to four independent payloads, each having its own separate power and data interface. STPSat-2 is one of seven satellites and 16 experiments to make up the STP-S26 mission.
"The beauty of the responsive spacecraft bus used for STPSat-2 is its ability to accommodate a broad range of payloads," said David L. Taylor, president and CEO of Ball Aerospace. "The repeatable design provides low cost space access for the Air Force while accelerating the build schedule and reducing risk."
The two experiments mounted on the payload standard interface module of the first STP-SIV satellite include the Space Phenomenology Experiment (SPEX) which includes two payloads to evaluate sensor compatibility for the space environment; and the Ocean Data Telemetry MicroSatLink (ODTML) which will relay data from ocean and terrestrial sensors to users.
Ball Aerospace will complete work on an identical STP-SIV - STPSat-3 spacecraft by the end of 2010 that will host four experimental military payloads. Integration of payloads on the STPSat-3 spacecraft will begin in February 2011. In 2006, Ball Aerospace was awarded a contract for up to six STP-SIV spacecraft.
STPSat-2 is the first spacecraft for the Department of Defense Space Test Program Standard Interface Vehicle program managed by the Space Development and Test Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M. The STP-SIV architecture developed for STPSat-2 supports the Operationally Responsive Space strategy to ensure U.S. space superiority. This is the first launch of a Ball Aerospace spacecraft from the state-of-the-industry spacecraft on Kodiak Island, working successfully with the Alaska Aerospace Corporation.
Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions of important national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications. For more information visit www.ballaerospace.com.
Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) is a supplier of high-quality packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 14,000 people worldwide and reported 2009 sales of more than $7.3 billion including discontinued operations. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit www.ball.com.
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SOURCE Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.