Well crafted screed via TechnaBOB, has filtered up through the flotsam of the Interweb; detailing the newest United States Department of Defense [DOD] Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s [DARPA] Tactical Technology Office [DARPA TTO] so-called nano-satellite monikered Phoenix concept. More, below:
“The Phoenix program envisions developing a new class of small ‘satlets’, or nano satellites, which could be sent to the GEO region more economically as a “ride along” on a commercial satellite launch, and then attached to the antenna of a non-functional cooperating satellite robotically, essentially creating a new space system, leveraging the System F6 architecture. A payload orbital delivery system, or PODS, will also be designed to safely house the satlets for transport aboard a commercial satellite launch. A separate on-orbit ‘tender,’ or satellite servicing satellite is also expected to be built and launched into GEO. Once the tender arrives on orbit, the PODS would then be released from its ride-along host and link up with the tender to become part of the satellite servicing station’s ‘tool belt.’ The tender plans to be equipped with grasping mechanical arms for removing the satlets and components from the PODS using unique space tools to be developed in the program…”
