Blue Canyon Technologies, a leading provider of small satellite manufacturing and mission services under RTX, has officially launched its newest spacecraft platform, the Saturn-400. Designed to deliver enhanced performance, flexibility, and mission adaptability, the Saturn-400 significantly expands payload capacity and agility for demanding space missions.
Engineered to accommodate more complex instruments and advanced sensors, the Saturn-400 supports payloads up to 600 kg, depending on the selected launch vehicle. This larger and more capable satellite bus is tailored for customers seeking scalable solutions to meet increasingly sophisticated mission requirements.
Marking a milestone for the company, the Saturn-400 is Blue Canyon’s first spacecraft to offer an optional integrated attitude control system-a control moment gyroscope (CMG)-which significantly improves spacecraft maneuverability and pointing stability.
“Our advanced control moment gyroscope technology is a key differentiator for Blue Canyon, and is now available in a turnkey spacecraft,” said Chris Winslett, general manager of Blue Canyon Technologies. “The Saturn-400 shares commonality with many BCT products, all of which leverage the same modular software. This approach enhances efficiency and lowers program risk, enabling customers to meet mission needs more quickly and affordably.”
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For missions where CMGs may not be necessary, the Saturn-400 also offers three customizable reaction wheel configurations: the RW4, RW8, and the larger RW16—all developed in-house by Blue Canyon. These precision systems allow users to tailor spacecraft attitude control based on mission complexity and budget. While reaction wheels rely on motor-driven flywheels, CMGs use spinning rotors and gimbaled motors to deliver even greater control authority and responsiveness.
In addition to increased payload and attitude control options, the Saturn-400 supports rideshare missions and delivers scalable power and volume capabilities, including expanded solar arrays and a power subsystem scalable up to 2 kW. These enhancements enable the spacecraft to handle more power-hungry payloads and extend mission lifespans.