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Taos

The proposed Taos system was to be comprised of 5-12 spacecraft in circular 1,248 km altitude orbits with a 57.1 degree inclination. The 152 kg spacecraft, similar to S80/T, would be centered on a bus of 0.65 m x 0.65 m x 0.80 m and four 2-m-long solar panels. The VHF payload would account for up to 60 kg. However, Taos did not receive French government support, and the S80/T spacecraft was offered to the International Space University (References 58-63).

58. P. Jung, "TAOS: A Low Cost Satellites, Paper IAF-93-M.4.333, 44th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, 16-22 October 1993.

59. J.M. Lenorovitz, "Concepts Reflect Growing Interest in Using Low-Earth Orbit for Data and Voice Relay", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 14 October 1991, p. 74.

60. P.B. de Selding, "French Testing Mobile Technology", Space News, 5-11 October 1992, p. 18.

61. P.B. de Selding, "Taos Work May Start in Early '94", Space News, 27 September - 3 October 1993, pp. 4, 29.

62. "CNES Nears Decision On Go-Ahead for Taos", Space News, 7-13 February 1994, p. 2.

63. "French Offer To Donate Satellite", Space News, 10-16 April 1995, p. 17.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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