# M-Class

> satellite bus developed by York Space Systems

**Wikidata**: [Q136199213](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136199213)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/m-class

## Summary
The M-Class is a satellite bus and spacecraft model developed by York Space Systems. Originating in the United States, it serves as the primary infrastructure for spacecraft, providing the structural support and service module necessary to house payloads such as scientific instruments.

## Key Facts
- **Manufacturer:** York Space Systems
- **Country of Origin:** United States
- **Classification:** Spacecraft model and spacecraft bus
- **Also Known As:** M-Class bus
- **Power Source:** Spacecraft solar array generating 8,000 watts
- **Payload Capacity:** Approximately 1,000 kilograms

## FAQs
**Who manufactures the M-Class satellite bus?**
The M-Class is developed and produced by York Space Systems, an aerospace company based in the United States.

**What is the payload capacity of the M-Class?**
This spacecraft bus is designed to support a payload mass of approximately 1,000 kilograms.

**How much power can the M-Class generate?**
The bus utilizes a spacecraft solar array system capable of generating 8,000 watts of power.

**What is the function of the M-Class?**
It functions as a spacecraft bus, acting as the general model and infrastructure—including the service module—upon which multiple-production spacecraft are based to support payloads like space experiments.

## Why It Matters
The M-Class plays a critical role in space infrastructure by serving as the foundational backbone for various spacecraft missions. By offering a standardized, high-capacity platform that supports heavy payloads and substantial power generation, it enables the efficient deployment of space experiments and instruments. This modularity allows manufacturers to streamline production while ensuring the reliability of the service module and essential spacecraft systems.

## Notable For
- Generating 8,000 watts of power via solar arrays.
- Supporting a payload mass of approximately 1,000 kilograms.
- Serving as a standardized spacecraft bus infrastructure for York Space Systems.

## Body

### Classification and Architecture
The M-Class is defined as a spacecraft model falling under the broader category of spacecraft buses. A spacecraft bus acts as the physical infrastructure of a spacecraft, serving as the general model upon which multiple-production spacecraft are often based. This infrastructure typically provides the specific locations required for the payload, which frequently consists of space experiments or instruments. Additionally, the bus encompasses the service module section of the spacecraft, which is essential for mission operations.

### Technical Specifications
The M-Class platform is engineered to support substantial mission requirements. It is powered by a spacecraft solar array with a total output of 8,000 watts. Regarding payload capabilities, the bus is designed to accommodate a mass of approximately 1,000 kilograms, allowing for a significant range of scientific or commercial instrumentation.

### Manufacturing and Origin
The development and manufacturing of the M-Class are handled by York Space Systems. The entity's country of origin is the United States. The system is also referred to by the alias "M-Class bus."

## References

1. [Source](https://www.yorkspacesystems.com/platforms)