Micro-Space

Micro-Space is an aerospace corporation based in Denver, Colorado, founded in February 1977 by Richard P. Speck under the name Spectron Instrument Corporation. The corporation changed its name to "Micro-Space, Inc." in 1998.

Philosophy

Micro-Space has a strategy based on using modern technology to achieve radical downsizing of space systems to minimize launch cost and make mission financing feasible. They claim cost-effectiveness is maximised by creating satellites the size of lunchboxes and cell phones as opposed to "Volkswagens".

History

While one of the smaller teams participating in the Ansari X Prize competition, Micro-Space has an active aerospace program flying innovative liquid fueled rockets. A long history of flying small rockets with telemetry, tracking and control systems demonstrates its focus on the fundamental systems necessary for unmanned - and eventually manned - suborbital and orbital launch systems. While its operational systems are most appropriate for atmospheric research, the company claims to have produced modules which, if clustered, could power a "spartan" manned launch.^{[citation needed]}

Seventeen liquid fueled, bipropellant rockets were successfully flown by 2006, with altitudes to 11,000 feet. Hydrogen peroxide and methyl alcohol were the fuels.^{[citation needed]}

Micro-Space also boasts of operational prototypes suitable for long duration life support and other needs of lunar and interplanetary missions, including Mars landing.^{[citation needed]}

Current projects

According to a May 2010 press release, Micro-Space is currently manifested to fly two tiny CubeSats "Ride Sharing" launch with EduSat, Sich-2 and other spacecraft, to be flown on a DNEPR into Sun Synchronous (near Polar) Orbit, Oct. 2010. Payload integration for this satellite group is being handled by Morehead State University, involving Dr. Ben Malphrus (Space Science Center director) and professor Bob Twiggs. Micro-Space will also be delivering two similar spacecraft to Morehead State University, and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Additional research systems will be added by the two universities.^{[citation needed]}

The complete, four satellite "PQ-Gemini ++" mission group, in addition to validating general satellite systems, will be capable of demonstrating Micro-Space interferometric techniques to characterize orbital differences using only precision range data between ultralight spacecraft in preparation for autonomous rendezvous. Additional systems will allow the relative positions, distance and rotational alignment of the four satellites to be continuously monitored. This information is necessary for the final, docking procedures. Other developmental steps will follow, leading to ultralight sample return missions on the Moon and Mars.^{[citation needed]}

In 2010 Micro-space was selected to negotiate a NASA Phase I SBIR contract entitled "Non-Radiated Field Link to Recharge, Reprogram, Test and Co-ordinate Aux. Payload Systems". Unfortunately, the untimely death of Richard P. Speck in October 2010 effectively halted all programs.

Future plans

Micro-Space is discussing return sample analysis and lunar prospecting with several organizations.^[1] Prospecting operations will be aimed at locating concentrations of extractable lunar gems and minerals. High grade titanium, rare earth metals and helium-3 (a potential fusion reactor fuel) are all known to exist on the Moon. Low cost flight of concentrated ores to the Earth is feasible using Solar Powered, electromagnetic "Rail guns", and other technologies.^{[citation needed]}

Propellant to complete rendezvous and docking is not allowed in this satellite cluster launch. Arrangements are being negotiated for launch 2011 of small Micro-Space spacecraft with propulsion systems to demonstrate the complete rendezvous and docking process as will be used with “Planetary Ascent Vehicles” carrying prospecting samples. Negotiations with this launch supplier also cover subsequent launch of a “Lunar Lander” and Lunar Transfer spacecraft, as well as the Planetary Ascent and Return vehicles.^{[citation needed]}

References

External links

• Official Micro-Space Forum, hosted on Space Fellowship
• 2010 SBIR Phae 1 Awards