Artist rendition of the MSV. Photo: Northrop Grumman

[Via Satellite 02-28-2014] Northrop Grumman has delivered a plug-and-play Modular Space Vehicle (MSV) that will allow military commanders to use satellites that can be assembled and launched quickly to fulfill immediate needs. The MSV is an open systems spacecraft bus that has a capability known as “responsive space,” which is ability to launch smaller, less expensive satellites in a matter of weeks for short-term missions.

The $50 million MSV, which has an expected lifespan of one to seven years, was delivered to the Operationally Responsive Space Office at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. on Feb. 25, 2014. The MSV is designed to be compatible with a variety of launch vehicles, operate in several orbits and accommodate payloads for missions such as radar imaging, missile warning and military communications.

“MSV provides ways for future development of rapid response space capabilities that will be timely, cost-efficient and flexible,” said Doug Young, VP of missile defense and advanced missions at Northrop Grumman. “A satellite bus contains the support structure and control subsystems that allow the payload to perform its mission.”

The open systems design of the MSV can accommodate last-minute payload and bus component changes and uses a standard plug-and-play interface that allows payloads to be fully checked out prior to integration with the spacecraft.