bSpace ARQ Small Satellite Deployer to Be Launched to the International Space Station
Experienced team prepares for flight
SEATTLE, February 15, 2018 (Newswire.com) - The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) recently selected a proposal from bSpace to develop and operate a satellite deployer platform aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to support cutting-edge research and commercial ventures. CASIS is the organization tasked by NASA to manage the ISS National Laboratory.
bSpace is planning to fly their ARQ small satellite deployer as unpressurized cargo to the ISS potentially as early as 2020.
“We’re excited to be working with CASIS to expand the value and capacity of ISS to deliver new technology, affordability and strong customer focus to the market,” said David Burcham, co-founder of bSpace.
The ARQ can deploy over 50 satellites per flight and will support hosted payloads from commercial companies, government and academia.
“ISS is an invaluable national resource. ARQ flights will allow more people to innovate faster from orbit,” said Jason Budinoff, co-founder and CTO of bSpace. “The modular system can safely accommodate a wide variety of satellites, from 3 lb CubeSats to 400 lb SmallSats."
About bSpace
bSpace was formed in 2016 and is headquartered just up the road from the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington, with additional offices in Idaho and Washington, D.C.
Averaging 25 years’ experience from NASA, Orbital ATK, Micron and Lockheed-Martin, the bSpace team has delivered flight hardware for the Curiosity Mars Rover, MAVEN, Cassini, Landsat 8 and IceSat, as well as several shuttle and ISS payloads. bSpace advisors include NASA Teacher in Space Barbara Morgan, ISS Expedition 40 Commander Steve Swanson and former NASA Associate Administrator Fred Gregory.
More information can be found at www.bspacelaunch.com.
The bSpace logo is available at bSpace Media Assets.
About CASIS
The Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) is the non-profit organization selected to manage the ISS National Laboratory with a focus on enabling a new era of space research to improve life on Earth. In this innovative role, CASIS promotes a diverse range of research in life sciences, physical sciences, remote sensing, technology development and education.
Since 2011, the ISS National Lab portfolio has included hundreds of novel research projects spanning multiple scientific disciplines, all with the intention of benefiting life on Earth. Working together with NASA, CASIS aims to advance the nation’s leadership in commercial space, pursue groundbreaking science not possible on Earth and leverage the space station to inspire the next generation. www.iss-casis.org
About the ISS National Laboratory
In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation’s newest national laboratory. The laboratory serves as an orbital research facility to improve life on Earth, promote collaboration among diverse users and advance STEM education.
David Barrow
bSpace
206.423.1921
dbarrow@bspacelaunch.com
Source: bSpace