Terrestrial Satellite Storage

This paper addresses whether sufficient service can be expected from a satellite which has been stored on the ground for significant periods of time prior to launch. The technical issues which limit a satellite's lifetime have been examined and indicate that terrestrial storage will not have an appreciable adverse effect on the operational lifetime of a satellite if proper storage precautions and testing procedures are followed. These storage procedures include atmosphere type specifications, temperature and humidity levels, frequency of in-storage maintenance or testing and the type of post-storage testing. The results of this effort and others like it have been compiled to develop a baseline Space Division pamphlet which is designed to provide guidelines to ensure the most effective storage environment and testing program for Air Force satellites.