Rocket Lab Launches Space Force, NASA DiskSat Experiment

A recent collaborative experiment between the U.S. Space Force and NASA successfully launched from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 at Wallops Island, Virginia. The liftoff occurred on December 18 at 12:03 a.m. Eastern Time.

Mission Overview: STP-S30

This mission, designated STP-S30, is notable for testing a new small-satellite architecture tailored for very low Earth orbit (VLEO) operations. The launch featured four disk-shaped satellites, known as DiskSats, aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket.

Objectives and Goals

• Characterize performance and utility of the DiskSat bus.
• Generate up to 100 watts of power using solar cells mounted on the satellite’s body.
• Demonstrate maneuverability to various orbital regimes, including VLEO.

Secondary payloads included experiments focusing on communications and space environment sensing.

Contract and Collaboration

The U.S. Space Force awarded Rocket Lab a contract worth $14.4 million for STP-S30 in 2024. The Space Test Program provides opportunities for experimental systems that may have military applications.

Innovative DiskSat Design

Developed by the Aerospace Corporation with NASA funding, the DiskSat is a better alternative to traditional cubesats. Each DiskSat measures approximately three feet in diameter and is designed to fly in a low-drag orientation for optimal performance in Earth’s atmosphere.

Advantages of DiskSat Architecture

• More surface area than conventional small satellites allows for greater power generation.
• Optimal layout for supporting diverse missions beyond the capabilities of cubesats.

The satellites are specifically designed to fit within the payload volume of Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket.

Launch and Operation Strategy

Multiple DiskSats were stacked inside a dispenser for deployment after reaching orbit. The Space Force provided launch and operational support under a partnership with NASA. The mission aims to demonstrate effective operations in VLEO, typically defined as altitudes below 300 kilometers, where atmospheric drag poses significant challenges for orbital stability.

Challenges of Very Low Earth Orbit

VLEO satellites face rapid orbital decay, usually limiting mission lifetimes to only days or weeks without propulsion. Despite these challenges, operating at lower altitudes can yield advantages like higher-resolution Earth imagery and improved communications.

Testing Maneuverability and Propulsion

Following the launch, the DiskSats will be deployed into a circular orbit at around 550 kilometers. Aerospace will evaluate the satellites’ ability to maneuver, the functionality of the dispenser mechanism, and their capacity to change orbits using electric propulsion.

Future Implications

If successful, the STP-S30 mission could pave the way for future defense and commercial satellite constellations. These advancements may enable sustained operations in VLEO, a region that has remained challenging for continuous satellite deployment.