# Saturn-400

> spacecraft bus developed by Blue Canyon Technologies

**Wikidata**: [Q137761412](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137761412)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saturn-400

## Summary
The Saturn-400 is a spacecraft bus manufactured by Blue Canyon Technologies in the United States. Classified as a small satellite and spacecraft model, it is designed to support payload masses of up to 600 kilograms. The bus is engineered to comply with the EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) standard, facilitating its integration as a secondary payload on launch vehicles.

## Key Facts
- **Manufacturer:** Blue Canyon Technologies
- **Country of Origin:** United States
- **Classification:** Spacecraft bus; Small satellite (class generally less than 1,200 kg)
- **Payload Mass (Standard):** 250 kilograms
- **Payload Mass (Maximum):** 600 kilograms (non-standard configuration)
- **Power System:** Equipped with 2 spacecraft solar arrays
- **Compliance:** EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA)
- **Aliases:** Saturn-class small satellite, X-SAT Microsat Saturn Class
- **Instance of:** Spacecraft model

## FAQs
### Q: What is the maximum payload capacity of the Saturn-400?
A: The Saturn-400 spacecraft bus can support a payload mass of 250 kilograms based on technical standards. In non-standard configurations, it has a maximum payload capacity of 600 kilograms.

### Q: Who manufactures the Saturn-400 spacecraft bus?
A: The Saturn-400 is developed and manufactured by Blue Canyon Technologies, a company based in the United States.

### Q: What launch standards does the Saturn-400 comply with?
A: The Saturn-400 is designed to comply with the EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) standard, allowing it to fly as a secondary payload on launch vehicles.

## Why It Matters
The Saturn-400 represents a significant capability in the small satellite market, bridging the gap between smaller microsatellites and larger flight systems. By supporting a substantial payload mass of up to 600 kilograms—half the mass defined for the general small satellite class—it enables more complex and capable missions (such as Earth observation or communications) without requiring a dedicated, expensive large satellite bus. Its compliance with the EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) standard is critical for cost-effectiveness; this compatibility allows the bus to "rideshare" on launches, significantly reducing the barrier to access space for commercial and government entities. As a product of Blue Canyon Technologies, a recognized leader in satellite components and buses, it provides a reliable, high-performance platform for custom mission integration.

## Notable For
- **High Payload Capacity:** Offers a maximum payload capacity of 600 kg, which is substantial for the small satellite class (defined as <1,200 kg).
- **Rideshare Compatibility:** Engineered specifically to comply with EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) standards, optimizing it for cost-effective rideshare missions.
- **Flexible Configuration:** Distinguishes between a standard technical payload mass (250 kg) and a maximum non-standard mass (600 kg), offering versatility for different mission requirements.
- **Power Generation:** Configured with dual spacecraft solar arrays to support the energy demands of its substantial payload capacity.

## Body
### Design and Classification
The Saturn-400 is a spacecraft model and spacecraft bus developed by Blue Canyon Technologies. It falls under the subclass of a **small satellite**, a classification generally applied to artificial satellites with a mass of less than 1,200 kilograms. The system is sometimes referenced by aliases including the "Saturn-class small satellite" and "X-SAT Microsat Saturn Class."

### Technical Specifications
The bus is designed to accommodate significant payload mass for its class. Technical standards define the payload capability at **250 kilograms**, though the structure supports a **maximum payload of 600 kilograms** in non-standard configurations.

The spacecraft's power system utilizes **two spacecraft solar arrays** (quantity: 2), designed to provide the necessary energy for the bus and its payload.

### Launch Integration
To ensure versatility in launch options, the Saturn-400 is manufactured to comply with the **EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA)**. This standard allows the satellite to be carried as a secondary payload on Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV), increasing launch opportunities and reducing costs.

### Origin
The Saturn-400 is a product of the **United States**, manufactured entirely by Blue Canyon Technologies.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.bluecanyontech.com/wp-content/uploads/Saturn-400-6_2025.pdf)