ATOM

ATOM is a small, low-cost, high-technology geostationary satellite platform developed by Dauria Aerospace for operators of broadband internet, satellite telephony, and satellite television services. The platform’s defining characteristic versus competing GEO buses is its small size: while this limits the number of payload transponders it can carry, the reduced mass, dimensions and structure allow significantly more economical launch compared to competitors, including the option of a shared/piggyback launch or clustering two ATOM satellites on a single launch vehicle. Fully fueled, the platform’s mass will not exceed 1 tonne with up to 300 kg of payload capacity across S, L, Ku and Ka frequency bands. A key differentiator is the platform’s exclusive use of electric propulsion (SPD-100 Hall-effect thrusters) both for orbit-raising from GTO to GEO and for on-station stationkeeping and reaction-wheel desaturation over the full mission life, paired with modern onboard electronics for high performance at reduced mass. The ATOM platform underpins the NEXSTAR-1 and NEXSTAR-2 satellites being built for Indian telecom operator Aniara Communications Pvt. Ltd. under a July 2014 agreement, with Aniara indicating interest in expanding to a constellation of 10-12 satellites over the Eastern Hemisphere.