ESPA

THE EVOLVED SECONDARY PAYLOAD ADAPTER

ESPA mounts to the standard NSSL (formerly EELV) interface bolt pattern (Atlas V, Falcon 9, Delta IV, OmegA, Vulcan, New Glenn) and is a drop-in component in the launch stack. Small payloads mount to ESPA ports featuring either a Ø15-inch bolt circle with 24 fasteners or a 4-point mount with pads at each corner of a 15-inch square; both of these interfaces have become small satellite standards. ESPA is qualified to carry 567 lbs (257 kg), and a Heavy interface (with Ø5/16” fastener hardware) has been introduced with a capacity of 991 lbs (450 kg). All small satellite mass capabilities require the center of gravity (CG) to be within 20 inches (50.8 cm) of the ESPA port surface. Alternative configurations can be accommodated.

ESPA GRANDE

ESPA Grande is a more capable version of ESPA with Ø24-inch ports; the ring height is typically 42 inches. The Ø24-inch port has been qualified by test to carry small satellites up to 1543 lb (700 kg).