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SPHERES FacilitySynchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) are bowling-ball sized satellites that provide a test bed for development and research into multi-body formation flying, multi-spacecraft control algorithms, and free-flying physical and material science investigations. Up to three self-contained free-flying satellites can fly within the cabin of the International Space Station (ISS), performing flight formations, testing of control algorithms or as a platform for investigations requiring this unique free-flying test environment. Each satellite is a self-contained unit with power, propulsion, computers, navigation equipment, and provides physical and electrical connections (via standardized expansion ports) for Principal Investigator (PI) provided hardware and sensors.
Document ID
20140013241
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Other - Brief Communication/Note
Authors
Martinez, Andres
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Benavides, Jose Victor
(Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies, Inc. (SGT, Inc.) Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Ormsby, Steve L.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
GuarnerosLuna, Ali
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
October 29, 2014
Publication Date
January 1, 2014
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
NASA FS-2013-08-02-ARC
ARC-E-DAA-TN10763
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS2-02090
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNA08CG83C
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
Material science investigations
Multi-body formation flying
Free-flying physical investigations
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