The increased payload capacity – (40.0” x 40.0” x 45.0”) supporting upto 600kg – will allow for more instruments and larger sensors for complex missions.
With a rideshare capability (a four-point separation system), Saturn-400 also offers higher power and volume scaling, states Blue Canyon. These are through larger solar arrays and scalable power subsystems up to two kilowatts.
Attitude control
It is also the company’s first satellite with an optional built-in attitude control system. This is known as a control moment gyroscope, which improves the spacecraft’s agility and stability.
“Our advanced control moment gyroscope technology is a key differentiator for Blue Canyon, and is now available in a turnkey spacecraft,” said the general manager of Blue Canyon Technologies, Chris Winslett.
“The Saturn-400 shares commonality with many BCT products, all of which leverage the same modular software. This approach enhances efficiency and lowers program risk, enabling customers to meet mission needs more quickly and affordably.”
The small satellite manufacturer also highlights alternatives to the integrated control moment gyroscope. Specifically, the Saturn-400 offers three reaction wheel options. These are: Blue Canyon’s RW4, RW8, and the larger RW16.
Reaction wheels use motor-driven flywheels for attitude control, it explains, while CMGs use a spinning rotor and motorized gimbals.
“Both options provide precise, low-jitter agility, allowing customers to optimize performance based on their mission needs and budget,” states the company.
Blue Canyon
Blue Canyon Technologies is a small satellite manufacturer and mission services provider for RTX.
It has launched 83 small satellites and around 2,700 components in support of missions in multiple orbital classifications.
RTX Corporation was formerly Raytheon Technologies Corporation.
Image: RTX
See also: TU Delft, RTX sign sustainable aerospace tech research agreements
