Tags: Boeing, Nanosatellite, Prototype
Publication: Space.com
Publication Date: 04/09/2013

Artist’s rendition of Boeing’s Phantomp Phoenix satellite platform. Image credit: Boeing

Boeing is introducing a new line of small satellites through its research arm Boeing Phantom Works. The Phantom Phoenix line of satellites would weight up to 1,000 kilos and can be adapted for short-term experiments or operational missions lasting seven or more years.

The company has identified the small satellites market as a multibillion dollar one in the next few years, mostly within the U.S. Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, but also from commercial ventures. Thus, Phantom Works is producing three prototypes to showcase what these can do.

The Phantom Phoenix, a 500 to 1,000 kg mid-class designed for single and dual launch; the Phantom Phoenix ESPA, a 180 kg ESPA-class that attaches to a common interstage adapter allowing for the launch of more than one satellite at a time; and the Phantom Phoenix Nano a 4 to 10 kg nanosatellite that offers opportunities for science and weather missions.

Boeing expects the spacecraft line to open up new possibilities for applications not considered in the past. It compares these small satellites to the all-electric 702SP satellite platform recently introduced by Boeing Satellite Systems, which enables missions that would traditionally require larger and heavier spacecraft. The key for this new platform is the common avionics and software package compatible with many configurations.

Phantom Works is already prospecting customers but hasn’t closed any orders yet. If the product becomes popular in the industry, it would be transferred to Boeing Satellite Systems. However, some doubt Phantom Phoenix series’ success.

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