Zeus Modular Payload Adapter
Deployable Space Systems (DSS) — now Redwire
Zeus is a modular payload adapter built in the United States for multi-manifest, rideshare, and constellation programs, adaptable to various spacecraft sizes and interfaces.
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- Payload capacity
- 1,500 kg
Normalised to common units so this product can be compared with others in its category. The supplier's own wording is below.
As published by the supplier
- SIZE (STOWED)
- 1575 mm interface to PAF
- LAYOUT OPTIONS
- Option 1: Four (QTY-4) 24 inch circular ports Option 2: Six (QTY-6) 15 inch circular ports Option 3: Four (QTY-4) 4-point mount interfaces Option 4: Combine any of these options
- TOTAL SPACECRAFT MASS
- Supports up to 1500 kg space vehicles depending on the manifest
- MISSION APPLICATIONS
- Satellite constellation programs Rideshare programs Multi-manifest programs
About
Zeus is a modular payload adapter manufactured in the United States using traditional machining and manufacturing methods. It is designed for multi-manifest, rideshare, and constellation programs and can be adapted to any spacecraft sizes, interfaces, or quantities. Utilizing bolted-together aluminum plates, Zeus offers a lower cost than composite solutions and a shorter schedule than forged solutions, while being mass and stiffness optimized. Redwire provides mechanical ground support equipment such as break-over carts, integration stands, and lifting fixtures to assist with spacecraft and launch vehicle integration operations. The payload adapting structures can be bundled with spacecraft separation systems and any cabling and harnessing to provide a complete constellation dispenser system. Full qualification and acceptance testing for Zeus are completed in-house by Redwire. Zeus has flight heritage from missions like Spaceflight SSO-A (accommodating 15 microsats and 49 CubeSats), Firefly Victus Nox (adapting structure from 38” Alpha LV interface to 15” Millennium Space SC interface), and Momentus Vigoride (providing flight hardware and integration systems).
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.