DiskSat

The STP-S30 mission includes four research and development Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) DiskSat satellites funded by NASA and developed by Aerospace Corp.

DiskSat was developed by The Aerospace Corporation with NASA funding as a possible alternative to the cubesat standard.

Satlyt signed an agreement to license DiskSat technology from The Aerospace Corporation to enable autonomous operations and in-orbit data processing.

As of August 11, 2025, the forum thread identified a launch of four DiskSat satellites aboard the STP-S30 mission on Rocket Lab Electron from Launch Complex 2 (Wallops) scheduled for December 18, 2025 in a 05:00–09:00 UTC window.

The DiskSat platform features a circular, plate-like design that measures one meter in diameter and is 2.5 centimeters thick.

DiskSat, developed by Aerospace Corporation with NASA's funding, is shaped like a disc with a diameter of 102 cm and a thickness of 2.5 cm.

The projected primary payload for STP-S30 is DISKSat, a 1-meter-diameter disk-shaped satellite bus designed to demonstrate sustained very low Earth orbit flight and increase on-orbit persistence.

The DiskSat design is based on the payload volume of Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket but can be modified for larger vehicles like Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne.

Each DiskSat was individually released into orbit after separating from the rocket's initial stage and clearing the payload fairing.

The launched DiskSat satellites are equipped with electric propulsion systems that enable easy orbital maneuvering and maintenance.

DiskSat will demonstrate sustained very low Earth orbit flight and will test a unique 40-inch-diameter disk-shaped satellite bus designed to increase on-orbit persistence.

The DiskSat platform is designed for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) operations under 300 kilometers.

Four DiskSat units are already in orbit and have begun demonstration operations.

The ion thrusters of the DiskSats are powered by solar panels covering both sides of the disk, allowing for orbital changes and position maintenance.

The projected primary payload for STP-S30, DISKSat, will demonstrate sustained very low Earth orbit flight and will test a 1-meter-diameter disk-shaped satellite bus designed to increase on-orbit persistence.

DiskSats can be stacked in tens within a rocket's payload volume, eliminating empty space that conventional satellites leave behind.

The DiskSat platform prevents the formation of long-term orbital debris or 'zombies' that occur at higher altitudes.

A 10-kilogram DiskSat could move from low-Earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit or lunar orbit using electric propulsion.

DiskSat, designed and manufactured by Aerospace Corporation, offers a new platform alternative to CubeSats while inheriting their advantages.

DiskSats orient themselves upright, rotating on their axis like a vinyl record, and are equipped with a built-in ion propulsion system for stability and maneuverability.