Overview

The Space Test Program’s Standard Interface Vehicle (STP-SIV) project has developed a common spacecraft bus with a standard payload interface to accelerate Department of Defense space technology and ensure future U.S. space superiority.

Payload teams are able to design payloads and specific experiments to be compatible with the flexible standardized vehicle, resulting in lower spacecraft non-recurring costs and increased spaceflight opportunities. By providing such a vehicle, the Space Test Program can shorten acquisition timelines and decrease spacecraft build costs for its defense industry customers.

Our Role

As the prime contractor on the program, Ball Aerospace is responsible for the overall system including the spacecraft and standard payload interface design and build, payload integration, space vehicle environmental testing, and launch and mission support.

Ball Aerospace was awarded the contract in 2006 for up to six vehicle delivery orders for the Air Force Space Development & Test Wing’s (SDTW) Space Development Group at Kirtland Air Force Base.

Ball Aerospace’s STP-SIV product line is ideal for a variety of science, technology development and risk reduction missions.

The STP-SIV:

• Spacecraft is approximately 24” x 28” x 28” high and weighs less than 110kg
• Accommodates up to four separate instruments
• Operates in any low earth orbit from 400 and 850 km altitude
• Remains easily adaptable for future missions – no design changes necessary for payloads that conform to the standard interface
• Maintains flexibility to launch on a large variety of vehicles, including the EELV Secondary Payload Adapter 

The first STP-SIV spacecraft, STPSat 2 is expected to launch in 2010 aboard a Minotaur IV from Kodiak, AK. STPSat-3, the second STP-SIV spacecraft, is in its production phase and will be ready for payload integration by Fall 2010.