Development of Flexible Standard Bus for ISAS/JAXA Small Scientific Satellite Series

Abstract

This paper describes design and current developing status of a flexible standard bus system for a new series of small scientific satellites planned in the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISAS/JAXA). The satellite series are called SPRINT series, which stands for “Small space science Platform for Rapid INvestigation and Test”. First, features realizing a flexible standard bus are mentioned. Design concepts such as alternative options and selectable options are introduced. Second, the current status of the standard bus and SPRINT-A, which is the first satellite of SPRINT series using the standard bus and planed to be launched in 2013, is explained.