[Satellite Today 01-08-09] Comtech AeroAstro Inc. has delivered the first spacecraft bus for the U.S. Air Force’s Space Test Program Standard Interface Vehicle (STP-SIV) satellite program, Comtech announced Jan. 7.
    The electrical and mechanical integration of all spacecraft components as well as bus functional performance testing is complete. Over the next several months, Comtech AeroAstro engineers will support Ball Aerospace as the company aims to complete final bus testing, integrate the satellite payloads, and perform functional and environmental tests of the STP-SIV space vehicle.
    The spacecraft bus is being developed under contract to Ball for the U.S. Department of Defense’s STP-SIV headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base. The first STP-SIV is currently scheduled for launch in late 2009.