SpaceDev Solar Array Actuators Launch Aboard WorldView-1 Satellite
Launch Marks First Flight for Starsys Solar Array Rotational Drive and Control Electronics
SpaceDev, Inc. (OTC BB:SPDV.OB) announced today the first flight of its new solar array rotational drive assemblies (SADA) and drive control electronics (DCE) aboard the Digitalglobe WorldView-1 satellite, launched September 18th from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. SpaceDev produced the SADA and DCE under subcontract to Ball Aerospace. The system was commissioned shortly after the spacecraft reached orbit.
The Starsys Quiet Array Drive (QuAD) Micro-Stepping motion control technology was utilized on the Ball Aerospace BCP 2000 platform to articulate each of the two solar arrays and align them with the sun. The QuAD provides low disturbance actuation, allowing images to be captured at the same time that the arrays are being pointed, increasing the number of images captured by the spacecraft. Worldview 1 will provide images with 0.5-meter resolution.
“We wish to congratulate Digitalglobe and Ball Aerospace on the successful launch of Worldview 1. This launch is also an important milestone for us, being the first flight of our Starsys QuAD system. This enabling technology is also being used on two upcoming Ball Aerospace spacecraft: the NPOESS Precursor Mission and Worldview 2,” said Mark Sirangelo, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of SpaceDev. “We are proud to be playing a significant part in all of these programs and look forward to seeing the images provided by this groundbreaking spacecraft.”
About SpaceDev
SpaceDev, Inc. is a space technology/aerospace company that creates and sells affordable and innovative space products and mission solutions. For more information, visit www.spacedev.com. Except for factual statements made herein, this news release consists of forward-looking statements that involve risks that are difficult to predict. Words such as “believe,” “intends,” “expects,” “anticipates” and variations thereof, identify forward-looking statements, although their absence does not mean a statement is not forward looking. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s expectations, and are not guarantees of performance. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from its current expectations. Factors that could contribute to such differences include risk associated with the Company’s ability to manage schedule changes or cancellations, control costs and expenses, and obtain financing. Reference is also made to other factors described in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. SpaceDev does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
