2018

EAGLE Launched

EAGLE is a triple-nested acronym that when broken out is: Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) Augmented Geosynchronous Laboratory Experiment. ESPA is an AFRL innovative technology that increases the number of satellites that can be put into space on a single launch. Much like a train can just add extra cars to transport more cargo, one or more ESPA rings can be added under the primary payload to launch more satellites. EAGLE demonstrated a maneuverable, ESPA-based space vehicle design which allows six or more deployable or hosted spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. It also demonstrated the capability to provide low-cost access to geosynchronous orbit and geosynchronous transfer orbit for smaller class space vehicles by using excess weight and volume available on the EELV launch vehicle family. In addition, EAGLE provided the opportunity to share the cost of launch as well as provide essential services, on orbit, such as power, communications, propulsion, pointing and navigation for payload experiments unable to afford the full cost of a host space vehicle.