Ball Aerospace awarded second contract for STP-SIV program

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. has been awarded a $13.4 million U.S. Air Force contract to procure long-lead hardware for a second Space Test Program Standard Interface Vehicle (STP-SIV) spacecraft. The first STP-SIV spacecraft launch is expected in the first quarter of 2010.

The contract follows the prime contract signed in April 2006 for the first Department of Defense (DoD) STP-SIV vehicle, that included a provision for up to six vehicle orders for the Air Force Space Development & Test Wing’s (SDTW) Space Development Group at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M. The system is a key enabler for the DoD Space Test Program.

The contract is a follow-on to the first STP-SIV space vehicle, which recently completed the initial phase of system environmental testing including electromagnetic interference and compatibility, to be followed by vibration and thermal vacuum testing.

“This type of arrangement, in addition to driving down costs, enhances U.S. space superiority by supporting the Operationally Responsive Space strategy,” said Drew Crouch, vice president and general manager for Ball Aerospace’s National Defense business unit.

To meet the U.S. Air Force’s goal for small satellite missions that incorporate both flexibility and reduced cost, Ball Aerospace has employed a standard vehicle with a standard payload interface capable of supporting a variety of experimental payloads and launch vehicles. The 120 kg bus is designed to fly in a wide range of LEO orbits and supports a variety of launch vehicle configurations including the EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA). In addition to the overall STP-SIV system and payload interface design, Ball is responsible for payload integration, space vehicle environmental testing and launch and mission support.