SpaceX, during the last launch of the Falcon 9 rocket, put a payload into low-earth orbit for the Pentagon, along with the originally announced Spanish satellite Hispasat 30W-6. Reported by Spaceflight Now.
The PODSat secondary load was attached to the primary, thus a new satellite launch system was tested. This information was confirmed to the publication by the American companies SSL (Space Systems / Loral) and NovaWurks, which took part in the project.
“This was a research mission unrelated to the current operation of the Hispasat 30W-6 satellite. Such arrangements are becoming more common as they help cover startup costs and drive innovation in the industry,”said SSL's Wendy Lewis.
A company spokesman declined to disclose any details about the secondary load. NovaWurks COO James Greer told Spaceflight Now that PODSat is operating as planned.
The Hispasat 30W-6 spacecraft was manufactured by SSL, NovaWurks is responsible for the development of PODSat, the integration of the second satellite's launch systems with the first was carried out by their joint efforts, Spaceflight Now notes.
Although the purpose of PODSat is not known, the publication notes that NovaWurks specializes in creating HISat modules (Hyper-Integrated Satlet), allowing them to be assembled together and placed in each of them the necessary equipment. Spaceflight Now notes that PODSat secondary payload likely includes four HISat cells deployed in geotransfer orbit
The launch of the Falcon 9 with Hispasat 30W-6, which took place on March 6, 2018, was the 50th launch of this launch vehicle by SpaceX.