The GeoLITE spacecraft inside TRW factory. Photo: NRO

The National Reconnaissance Office's Geosynchronous Lightweight Technology Experiment (GeoLITE) satellite was built by TRW.

GeoLITE is an advanced technology demonstration satellite with a laser communications experiment and an operational UHF communications mission. The GeoLITE satellite will weigh approximately 4,000 pounds and be launched on a Boeing Delta 2 launch vehicle.

This is the first mission for TRW's T-310 satellite bus, a new lightweight, highly stable platform capable of a range of missions. TRW has system integration responsibility for GeoLITE, including the satellite development, integration and preparation for launch.

The satellite was designed and built in 3 1/2 years using streamlined program methodologies.

TRW's T-310 modular bus design provides flexible capability for a variety of applications, including geostationary communications and weather observation missions, as well as planetary missions. The design features common subsystems scalable to the mission-specific needs.

Instrument payloads can be attached on a "mix and match" basis without changes in the overall design or subsystem support requirements. Weighing less than 1,500 pounds and equipped with 1.2 kilowatts (end-of-life) of electric power, the T-310 bus for GeoLITE is built of lightweight composite materials that allow for increased instrument weight and reduced launch costs.

TRW's GeoLITE program team initiated several innovative commercial process improvements throughout the development of the spacecraft, including a small project team, modular assembly and test, streamlined business practices and Web-based documentation. These process improvements enabled less costly spacecraft design, shortened the integration and test schedule and facilitated program execution.

TRW Inc. has total system integration responsibility for GeoLITE. Teammates include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory, which will be responsible for the laser communications payload, and Hughes Space and Communications Company, which will be responsible for the UHF communications payload.

GeoLITE is another example of the NRO engaging in cutting edge technology to assure the United States continues to be the worldıs leader in satellite reconnaissance.