Xplore Space Telescope (XST)
Xplore Inc.
Family of commercial space telescopes built on the XCRAFT bus, developed with W. M. Keck Observatory.
Technical specifications
- Base platform
- XCRAFT ESPA-class bus
- Mission regimes
- LEO, cislunar space
- Science partner
- W. M. Keck Observatory
About
The Xplore Space Telescope (XST) is a planned family of commercial space telescopes built on Xplore’s XCRAFT satellite platform, carrying a suite of sensors for astronomical and planetary observation missions in LEO and cislunar space.
Xplore announced a collaboration with the W. M. Keck Observatory in September 2021, under which Keck assists with concept development and science case definition for the XST program. The stated goal is to leverage commercial small-satellite practices and the XCRAFT bus to deploy space telescopes faster and at lower cost than traditional space-based observatories, expanding observing access for astronomers.
Development of XST missions has been supported in part by the same National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) funding that accelerated the broader XCRAFT platform.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.