NanoACE was the first spacecraft designed to use the Endeavour Platform, and was an internally funded technology demonstrator, testing the technology and avionics platform that would be used for future missions.
The technology demonstration will validate the Command and Data Handling System (CDH), Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), Software and Actuators, as well as test visible and IR cameras.
The NanoACE vehicle is a 3U form factor with the core of the vehicle being 30 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm with a mass of roughly 5.2 kg. The vehicle uses a total of four deployable solar panels, with each roughly 30 cm × 10 cm in size. The NanoACE payload houses two IR, two visible cameras, and electronics for image processing. The NanoACE cold gas propulsion system utilizes a mature design that was developed by VACCO Industries and tested extensively (70,000+ firings) in a vacuum by the US Air Force Research Lab and traces its heritage to DARPA and Aerospace Corp programs.
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Soyuz-2 is often flown with an upper stage, which allows it to lift payloads into higher orbits, such as Molniya and geosynchronous orbits. The upper stage is equipped with independent flight control and telemetry systems from those used in the rest of the rocket. The NPO Lavochkin manufactured Fregat is the most commonly used upper stage.
Soyuz-2 rockets were first launched from Site 31 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and Site 43 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, launch facilities shared with earlier R-7 derived rockets including the Soyuz-U and Molniya. Commercial Soyuz-2 flights are contracted by Starsem and have launched from Site 31 at Baikonur Cosmodrome and ELS (Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz), which has been built at the Centre Spatial Guyanais on the northern coast of South America. The Soyuz-2 version ST-B can deliver 3,250 kg (7,170 lb) to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) from this equatorial site. In 2016, the new Vostochny Cosmodrome started operating Soyuz-2 flights as well, from its first launch pad called Vostochny Cosmodrome Site 1S.
The Soyuz-2 has replaced the Molniya-M, Soyuz-U and Soyuz-FG since 2010, 2017 and 2019 respectively. TsSKB-Progress halted production of Soyuz-U in April 2015; the final flight of a Soyuz-U rocket took place on 22 February 2017, carrying Progress MS-05 to the International Space Station (ISS). According to CNES officials interviewed in May 2018, launches of Soyuz from Centre Spatial Guyanais may be replaced by the Ariane 6 medium-lift version A62 in 2021, but later moved back to 2022 or later.
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