System Integration-Evolution Testbed (SIET)

SIET is a proposal to provide a systems focus for the development and integration of existing and new technology into a constellation of small identical satellites. This consists of a coherent series of ground hardware testbeds and concurrent space flights that provide clear milestones to access progress. The testbed will consist of one or more "satellites" that will allow the evaluation of various control methodologies, communications technologies, measurement systems, attitude and modeled propulsion systems. It will allow single satellite station keeping and attitude control as well as multi satellite array formation and steering. Currently Task A has been funded and begins July 1, 1995.