Northrop Grumman's ESPAStar platform enables secondary payloads to tag along with other missions, utilizing extra available space on launch vehicles, providing a modular and cost-effective spacecraft bus.
ESPAStar
Making space accessible. That's Defining Possible.
Modular and Cost-Effective
Northrop Grumman’s ESPAStar platform provides a modular, cost-effective and highly capable infrastructure resource for hosting technology development and operational payloads. The ESPAStar platform uses a customized EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) ring as part of its structure and is capable of being launched aboard any launch vehicle that meets the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) standard interface specification, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy.
ESPAStar Platform
The ESPAStar platform’s six payload ports are capable of accommodating any combination of up to six hosted and 12 separable (fly-away) payloads (maximum one hosted or two separables per port). The payload interface at each port has been standardized, allowing for hosted and separable payload interchangeability, late payload integration and manifest changes. The ESPAStar platform leverages the available mass margin from any EELV launch to provide an affordable path to space for payloads. The platform is optimized for GEO missions, but is adaptable for LEO and MEO missions.
Mission Services
- Mission Analysis
- Payload Integration
- Testing and Verification
- Launch Vehicle Integration
- Launch Operations
- Mission Operation
- Safety & Mission Assurance
ESPAStar Facts at a Glance
- Accommodates combinations of hosted (6 max) or separable (12 max) payloads at all mounting ports
- 1,920 kg payload (320 kg per Port)
- Multi-year mission life
- 1.6 Mbps downlink, AFSCN-compatible, Type 1 encryption
- Low jitter
- Attitude knowledge <20 μrad="">
- ≥400 m/s delta-V, any direction
- EELV SIS Rev B compliant Full complement of electrical interfaces
- Power
- Data
- Discrete I/O
ESPAStar in the News
Northrop Grumman's Protected Tactical SATCOM Rapid Prototype Payload Assembled, Begins Space Vehicle Integration
Northrop Grumman Satellite-Refueling Technology Selected as First Preferred Refueling Solution Interface Standard for Space Systems Command (SSC)
Making History in Space – Every Day
Northrop Grumman’s Antares vehicle regularly launches thousands of pounds of cargo in Cygnus spacecraft for the International Space Station.
Northrop Grumman Delivers ESPAStar bus to L3Harris for Air Force NTS-3 Mission
The NTS-3 program supports the improvement of positioning, navigation and timing services for the Air Force
Northrop Grumman heralds converted adapter rings as rideshare solution for military payloads
Northrop Grumman Supports Successful United States Space Force-44 Mission
Northrop Grumman hardware and software enables multiple missions on single launch
Northrop Grumman Supports Successful US Space Force-12 Mission from Liftoff to Orbit
Mission launched onboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket
Northrop Grumman Makes Critical Contributions to STP-3 Mission for US Space Force
Photo Credit: ULA webcast
Northrop Grumman gets $22 million Space Force contract to build small-satellite carrier bus
Source: Space News. Photo Credit: U.S. Space Force
