SSL Awarded Follow-on DARPA Contract

Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a provider of commercial satellites, has been selected to develop designs, processes, and business terms for carrying small science and technology missions to space on its geostationary (GEO) satellite platform.

 

Under phase two of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Phoenix program, SSL intends to detail the design and implementation processes for affordable delivery of small spacecraft beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The goal of the revolutionary Phoenix program is to enable cost-effective repurposing of serviceable space hardware that is already on orbit. The capability that SSL is developing for Phoenix is also expected to enable other future operational, science, and technology space missions.

 

"The innovative Phoenix program is paving the way for more affordable and sustainable access to space," says John Celli, president of SSL. "DARPA's vision and commitment to this capability could open the door to many other small satellite missions, enabled by frequent access to space on the SSL 1300 platform."

 

SSL regularly works with a broad range of commercial satellite operators and has experience putting small government missions onto commercial spacecraft in order to reduce costs for both parties. SSL intends to work with both its commercial customers and DARPA to facilitate this type of arrangement for the implementation of the Phoenix program.

 

SSL, a subsidiary of global communications and information company, MDA, has a long history of delivering reliable satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world. As a provider of commercial satellites, the company works closely with satellite operators to provide spacecraft for a broad range of services including television and radio distribution, digital audio radio, broadband Internet, and mobile communications.