As rideshare launches become more commonplace, secondary payloads continue to be challenged by the limited choice of orbits, upper stage restart capability and risk-averse nature of primary payloads to allow for flexibility in the deployment sequence. The result is that a secondary payload’s final orbit is limited by its host and the propulsion capability of the individual spacecraft, particularly so for cubesat class passengers. Many of these challenges can be met through the use of a propulsive rideshare adapter or Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV). In addition, the use of an OMV to act as both a long-term host for payloads, as well as a traditional tug, has enabled novel mission concepts such as hub and spoke architectures for communications and data processing functionality for distributed sensing systems.
Moog has analyzed, developed and supported numerous missions employing OMV functionality. In this paper a number of case studies are described to illustrate the utility, value and flexibility of the OMV as a mission enabling technology. Cases examined include:
The performance of small satellite technology continues to improve at an exponential pace but, if small satellites continue to compromise optimal orbit for general space access, true potential cannot be fulfilled. In each of the scenarios identified, the particular use of an OMV gives rise to a number of shared launch opportunities that would not have previously been considered and improves the overall access to space for rideshare passengers.
