Canada is to develop a class of small multipurpose satellites, with the first mission intended to demonstrate high-capacity information delivery. British Columbia-based MacDonald, Dettwiler & Associates (MDA) has been named prime contractor for the Cassiope mission, scheduled for launch in 2007.
The satellite will carry an experimental Cascade Ka-band payload to demonstrate the first space-based courier service. The service will allow users with small 1-2m-diameter antennas to upload 50-500Gbyte files at 1.2Gbits/s to the satellite, which will store the data for download.
MDA describes the commercial service as a space-based equivalent to terrestrial overnight package carriers. Initially, one satellite in a 1.5h, 300-1,500km (190-930 miles) orbit will provide multiple daily opportunities for the pick-up and delivery of data anywhere on Earth, the company says. Additional satellites can be added as demand grows.
The mission, which will carry a scientific payload provided by the University of Calgary, is valued at over C$100 million ($75 million).
Source: Flight International
