National Security Space Systems

Orbital’s smaller spacecraft platforms are ideally suited to serve as testbeds for the demonstration of new space technologies or as alternates to the large systems typically employed for national security space applications. Since 1982 we have delivered 105 spacecraft for military, civil, commercial and international customers for remote sensing, imaging, communications and technology demonstration missions.

GEO and HEO Satellites

The MiTex experimental satellite for the Defense Applied Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently successfully conducted its mission using our new Aquila small spacecraft bus developed expressly for national security space GEO and HEO missions. For larger missions, our STAR™ bus platform was initially designed for GEO commercial communications missions, but can be tailored to virtually any application requiring up to 5kW of payload power.  The STAR design can accommodate a variety of payload options and can be readily launched on a medium-class launcher or an EELV.

LEO Satellites

Our flight-proven LeoStar™ and MicroStar™ platforms are highly reliable spacecraft buses for low Earth orbit applications and are compatible with a variety of payloads and launch vehicles. Both platforms have been used extensively in imaging, remote sensing, and communications mission for military, civil and commercial customers. 

Heritage programs with national security space applications include: