HS 333
Encyclopedia
In 1970 Hughes Aircraft Corporation
(HAC) Space and Communications Group offered the first standardized satellite
: the HS 333 design. A spinning satellite, it was based on previous one-design satellites like Intelsat I
. HAC built eight of these 300 watt
, 12 channel single antenna satellites between 1970 and 1977.
.
Several parallel decks, including the top and bottom, were used to mount the propulsion, attitude control, communication, Telemetry & Command (T&C), and power equipment. The upper deck or top of the satellite contained the payload antenna and the T&C antenna.
The outer surface of the cylindrical body was covered with solar cells to generate power for operating the satellite's electrical equipment. Batteries provide power during eclipse, when the satellite is in the shadow of the earth. The batteries are recharged by excess power from the solar array.
The HS 333 was 1.8 m (6 ft) in diameter and nominally 3.3 m (11 ft) high. The solar array and batteries provided sufficient power over the satellites 7 year design life to power the 190 W
payload and 233 W spacecraft equipment. The payload contributed 54 kg (119 lbm) of the HS 333's 146 kg (542 lbm) dry mass.
Hughes
Hughes may refer to:*Hughes *Hughes Medal*David E. Hughes inventorPlaces:* Hughes Range In Australia:* Division of Hughes, electoral district* Hughes, Australian Capital Territory, suburb of Canberra...
(HAC) Space and Communications Group offered the first standardized satellite
Satellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
: the HS 333 design. A spinning satellite, it was based on previous one-design satellites like Intelsat I
Intelsat I
Intelsat I was the first communications satellite to be placed in geosynchronous orbit, on April 6, 1965...
. HAC built eight of these 300 watt
Watt
The watt is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units , named after the Scottish engineer James Watt . The unit, defined as one joule per second, measures the rate of energy conversion.-Definition:...
, 12 channel single antenna satellites between 1970 and 1977.
Design
The early satellites were designed with cylindrical bodies to maximize the size of the satellite that could fit inside of the rocket's nose cone or fairing which was also round. The early design satellites also relied on spinning at about 30 rpm for stability in orbit. The spinning satellite is a gyroscopeGyroscope
A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principles of angular momentum. In essence, a mechanical gyroscope is a spinning wheel or disk whose axle is free to take any orientation...
.
Several parallel decks, including the top and bottom, were used to mount the propulsion, attitude control, communication, Telemetry & Command (T&C), and power equipment. The upper deck or top of the satellite contained the payload antenna and the T&C antenna.
The outer surface of the cylindrical body was covered with solar cells to generate power for operating the satellite's electrical equipment. Batteries provide power during eclipse, when the satellite is in the shadow of the earth. The batteries are recharged by excess power from the solar array.
The HS 333 was 1.8 m (6 ft) in diameter and nominally 3.3 m (11 ft) high. The solar array and batteries provided sufficient power over the satellites 7 year design life to power the 190 W
Watt
The watt is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units , named after the Scottish engineer James Watt . The unit, defined as one joule per second, measures the rate of energy conversion.-Definition:...
payload and 233 W spacecraft equipment. The payload contributed 54 kg (119 lbm) of the HS 333's 146 kg (542 lbm) dry mass.