Air Force moves on architecture for lightweight satellites

The Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded Harris Corp. an eight-month research contract to develop new modular communications architecture for satellites that weigh less than 400 kilograms.

Under the contract, Harris will furnish systems engineering, requirements analysis and concept development for an architecture that uses common components and can support multiple payloads, company officials said in a statement today.

The modular architecture should allow for rapid assembly and deployment of satellites for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as other military communications requirements.

The study is being done for the Operationally Responsive Space Office at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.