Space Qualified Hardware

The Hitchhiker carrier system has provisions for flying payloads along the sidewall of the Space Shuttle payload bay, i.e. the longeron, and on cross-bay carriers/platforms. Hitchhiker payloads fly in mounted canisters attached to mounting plates of various sizes. The carrier system provides electrical power (28vdc), command signals, and "downlink" data interfaces. Hitchhiker customers operate their payloads from the Hitchhiker Control Center at Goddard Space Flight Center using their own ground support equipment (usually a PC) to send commands and display data.

The ISEM-H was developed by ITA to support the Materials Processing in Space (MPS) industry. The module consists of an exterior pressure vessel capable of being pressurized or vented to the vacuum of space, and an interior structure for mounting experiments or MPS hardware. The ISEM-H contains interface avionics enabling the user to tap into the Shuttle resources (power, commands, recording, and telemetry). Payloads can be accommodated from 100 to 450 kg. In addition to being compatible with both NASA hitchhiker structures, the ISEM-H is compatible with the MPESS structure and the MSL structure which has the capability to provide a cold plate for heat rejection. The ISEM-H hardware, like its smaller counterpart for the NASA GAS program (ISEM-G) is available for sale or lease to users. ITA engineering and payload integration services are available to ease user access to space.

NASA is developing plans for a Space Station Hitchiker Program.

ITA continues to adapt its equipment and develop new hardware based upon customer requirements and needs.

For further information about ITA or to receive a brochure, please send us EMAIL