// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Satellite Platform
Another term for a satellite bus, referring to the standardized base structure of a satellite onto which different payloads can be attached.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Satellite Platform, synonymous with a satellite bus, is the standardized, modular core infrastructure of a spacecraft, providing essential subsystems (e.g., power, propulsion, attitude control) to support various mission-specific payloads.
BACKGROUND
China has one of the most active space programs in the world. With launch vehicles of the Long March rocket family and four spaceports, China conducts the most or second most orbital launches each year. China's fleet of over 1,300 Earth orbit satellites serves communication, navigation, reconnaissance and scientific research. China Manned Space Program operates Tiangong, one of two active space stations alongside the International Space Station (ISS). China National Space Administration (CNSA) has achieved robotic rover, lander, and orbiter missions to the Moon and Mars.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Satellite bus
- Spacecraft platform
- Core satellite
USAGE NOTE
Many companies are developing flexible satellite platforms to reduce the cost and time of satellite development.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Satellite Platform.
A global leader in space systems, designing and building a wide range of satellite platforms, from geostationary to low Earth orbit, for commercial, military, and scientific missions.
A leading developer and manufacturer of advanced satellite platforms for defense, intelligence, civil, and commercial applications, including communication, navigation, and scientific research.
A prominent space technology company specializing in the development and manufacture of high-performance satellite platforms for Earth intelligence, geospatial services, and in-orbit servicing.
A European leader in satellite systems, providing a wide array of satellite platforms for telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation, scientific research, and space exploration.
A global aerospace and defense technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced satellite platforms for national security, civil, and commercial space missions.
A leading developer of small satellite technology and platforms, known for its cost-effective and innovative solutions for Earth observation, telecommunications, navigation, and science missions.
Known for its launch services, Rocket Lab also develops and manufactures the Photon satellite platform, offering end-to-end mission solutions for various LEO applications.
A prime contractor for U.S. government, civil, and commercial space applications, developing and manufacturing advanced satellite platforms for Earth observation, remote sensing, and scientific missions.
An Earth imaging company that designs, builds, and operates its own fleet of small satellite platforms (Doves and SuperDoves) for daily, global Earth observation.