NEXTAR (from NEC Next Generation Star) is a Low Earth orbit Earth observation satellite bus designed and manufactured by NEC Space Systems of Japan.[1][2] This three axis stabilized platform has a bus dry mass of 250 kg (550 lb), it can carry payloads up to 250 kg (550 lb) and 600 W. It uses tri-junction GaAs has an expected life between 3 and 5 years.[1]

NEXTAR NX-300L
ManufacturerNEC Space Systems
Country of originJapan
ApplicationsEarth observation
Specifications
Spacecraft typeEarth observation
Dry mass250 kg (550 lb)
Payload capacityup to 250 kg (550 lb)
Dimensions950 mm × 950 mm × 950 mm (37 in × 37 in × 37 in) (W×D×H)
PowerUp to 600 W
BatteriesLi-ion
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Design life3 to 5 years
Production
StatusIn Production

Its telemetry and control subsystem includes S band and X band channels.[1]

Platform models

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As of 2014, there are three different models of the NEXTAR standardized platform. All feature a common core of features like using the SpaceWire communications protocol, the SpaceCube2 on-board computer and autonomous control functions. The different models are:[3]

  • NX-300L: Low Earth orbit platform for small observation satellites in the 300 to 500 kg (660 to 1,100 lb) range. It was born out of the ASNARO 1 work and is used mainly for Earth observation applications.[3][4]
  • NX-1500L: Low Earth orbit platform for medium observation satellites in the 1,000 to 1,500 kg (2,200 to 3,300 lb) range. It began with the work on GCOM-W and is used mainly for Earth observation applications.[3][4]
  • NX-G: Geosynchronous orbit platform for small communication satellites in the 1.5 to 3 t (1.7 to 3.3 tons) range. Based on the work of the WINDS satellite, it will be used mainly for communications applications.[3][4]

List of satellites

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Satellites using the NEXTAR platform.[1]


See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "NEXTAR". NEC. Retrieved 2016-08-09.
  2. ^ Wade, Mark. "NEXTAR NX-300L". Archived from the original on August 22, 2016. Retrieved 2016-08-09.
  3. ^ a b c d Adachi, Masaki (July 2, 2014). "Introduction to NEC Space Business" (PDF). Space Systems Division NEC Corporation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-08-31. Retrieved 2016-08-31.
  4. ^ a b c Kallender-Umezu, Paul (November 24, 2014). "Japan's NEC Looks To Expand Commercial Market Footprint". Retrieved 2016-08-31.
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