Thread by @AerospaceCorp

1/ Demand for space-based services is always growing. Faster satellite development and launch processes are needed to reduce time and cost and provide greater flexibility and adaptability for space access:
link.medium.com/fjutbtgH1hb

2/ The #Slingshot platform was developed to advance on-orbit experiments using modular and autonomous technologies on next-gen systems—simplifying satellite architecture with with open standards and plug-and-play interfaces:

3/ The #Slingshot open standard interface allows payloads to connect with a satellite using fewer requirements—enabling customers to get to space quickly without adding risk.

4/ Slated for launch in early 2022, The #Slingshot-1 Mission will host 17 different payloads on a 12U @BlueCanyonTech satellite bus, demonstrating the feasibility of a single interface supporting multiple payloads on a #LEO spacecraft.

5/ #Slingshot-1 will provide access to an on-orbit space test environment and demonstrate the #SatCat5 ethernet standard. SatCat 5 will allow developers to employ commercial tools and open-source code from the extensive ethernet ecosystem.

6/ When a payload connects, it is immediately recognized—broadcast data transmits to the spacecraft downlink without any tweaking of the software. The onboard network allows the payload’s data to be seen by the other payloads to collaborate in real-time. #Slingshot

7/ The #Slingshot-1 mission will test the functionality of:
VERTIGO, a modular attitude control system enabling satellites to point at targets on Earth
BLINKER, a GPS transponder for space traffic management
aerospace.org/article/board-…

8/ HYPER, a hydrogen peroxide thruster
aerospacecorp.medium.com/a-new-thruster…
and LASERCOMM, a next-generation space/ground lasercom downlink

9/ #Slingshot-1 is the model for deploying future space technologies rapidly to enable autonomous, on-orbit reconfigurability and dynamic satellite tasking.

Watch Slingshot-1 assembled in time-lapse: