The purpose of the Orbital Express (OE) Demonstration System is to demonstrate the operational utility, cost effectiveness, and technical feasibility of autonomous techniques for on-orbit satellite servicing.
Launch Success Information
A Boeing-led industry team successfully launched Orbital Express, a demonstration spacecraft that is part of a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program aimed at demonstrating fully autonomous on-orbit spacecraft servicing capabilities. Liftoff occurred March 8, 2007, at 10:10 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Following a nominal flight, the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket deployed the spacecraft to a low-Earth orbit. This was the first Atlas EELV launch for United Launch Alliance.
Launch Photo
News
Mar. 14, 2007 DARPA to Validate Technical Feasibility
Mar. 9, 2007 Boeing Orbital Express to Demonstrate New On-Orbit Servicing Capability
Apr. 4, 2006 Boeing Orbital Express Program Passes Major Test Milestones
Briefings and Papers
Feb. 4, 2006 Autonomous Rendezvous and Capture Sensor System, AAS G&C Conf -- Briefing
Feb. 4, 2006 Autonomous Rendezvous and Capture Sensor System, AAS G&C Conf -- Paper
Jan. 25, 2006 Autonomous Rendezvous Guidance and Navigation, AAS-AIAA Space Flt Mech -- Briefing
Jan. 25, 2006 Autonomous Rendezvous Guidance and Navigation, AAS-AIAA Space Flt Mech -- Paper
Mission Book Pages
Orbital Express Mission
Message from George K. Muellner
On-Orbit Image
Mission Overview
Future Systems Are Enabled by Orbital Express
Basic Operations Are Required for All Rendezvous Missions
Rendezvous Image
Technology Firsts Will Be Demonstrated on OE
On-Orbit Operations
Orbital Express Demonstration Timeline
ASTRO
NextSat
Activation and Checkout
Autonomous Operations Are Critical for Mission Success
Autonomous Rendezvous System
Servicer Flies Itself During Inspection, Approach, and Capture
First Test of Autonomous Flight
Soft Capture and Mating Minimizes Impact to Client Vehicle
Advanced Robotics Allow Flexibility for Client Servicing
Fluid Transfer System Demonstrates Broad Spectrum to Support All Client Configurations
Component Transfer System Allows Replacement for New Technology Infusion and Preplanned Maintenance
Launch Vehicle
ULA Atlas V 401 Launch Vehicle
Ground Segment
Ground Segment Provides a Balanced, Flexible Ground Control Architecture
Orbital Express Ground Segment and Communications Architecture
More Information
Definitions
Definitions (cont.)
Download Complete Mission Book (4.8 Mb)
Backgrounder
Links
DARPA Orbital Express Page
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center -- Automated Rendezvous & Docking (AR&D)
NASA Science News