POWAY, Calif., 30 March 2006. SpaceDev has received a $1.25 million contract, from the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate, for the design of a nanosatellite. SpaceDev's design for the satellite, known as an Autonomous NanoSatellite Guardian for Evaluating Local Space (ANGELS), includes the satellite hardware assembly, detailed design schematics, software and flight algorithms, operations manuals, testing plans, and interface control documents.
ANGELS are intended to provide localized Space Situational Awareness of the local space environment of a host satellite.
The contract calls for the nanosatellite to be capable of flight experimentation by early 2009. The nanosatellite will have a one-year mission life at geosynchronous orbit, with a three-year goal of operational life from the time of launch.
SpaceDev received the contract award from the AFRL to carry the design to a Preliminary Design Review level. This award includes an option to carry the design to a Critical Design Review level with technology at a system Technology Readiness Level of 5, by no later than May 2007.
