GEOStar-3

Orbital Sciences has selected Aerojet Rocketdyne to provide XR-5 electric propulsion subsystems for GEOStar-3 commercial geostationary orbit communications satellite platform.

The XR-5 subsystem comprises 5kW Hall thrusters, power processing units and associated electrical harnessing.

Planned to be delivered over the next three years, XR-5 features Aerojet Rocketdyne’s zero-erosion design, which provides the capability required to raise the satellite to geostationary orbit.

The GEOStar-3 platform is designed to enable dual-launch configurations, and includes enhancements, including an upgraded electrical power system and a larger bus to support communication payloads weighing up to 800kg. It will have a service life of at least 15 years.

"GEOStar satellites will offer various communications services, including direct-to-home TV broadcasting, broadband connectivity, cable program distribution and business data network capacity."

GEOStar satellites will offer various communications services, including direct-to-home TV broadcasting, broadband connectivity, cable program distribution and business data network capacity.

Aerojet Rocketdyne Space Systems vice-president Warren Yasuhara said: "High-power Hall systems provide the optimal solution for electric orbit raising and station-keeping for the next-generation of commercial GEO comsats.

"The XR-5 Hall system is the only flight-proven, high-power Hall system, and the only Hall system qualified for the long-duration life needed for electric orbit-raising missions."

According to Aerojet Rocketdyne, XR-5 Hall thrusters were installed on 12 GEO comsat satellites, and an additional 12 are currently in production.

Orbital’s contract expands the XR-5 into the commercial GEO comsat segment, and comes after Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space selected the system for the European Space Agency’s Neosat mission.

Image: Orbital’s medium-class GEOStar-3 commercial communications satellite will have up to 8kW of payload power. Photo: courtesy of Orbital Sciences Corporation / Business Wire.