# SSTL-400

> spacecraft bus built by Surrey Satellite Technology

**Wikidata**: [Q130476360](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130476360)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sstl-400

## Summary
The SSTL-400 (also known as Minisat-400) is a spacecraft bus built by Surrey Satellite Technology, serving as a general model for multiple-production spacecraft that provides infrastructure for payloads.

## Key Facts
- The SSTL-400 is a spacecraft bus
- Also known by the alias Minisat-400
- Manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology
- Originates from the United Kingdom
- Functions as the infrastructure of a spacecraft, typically providing locations for payload (space experiments or instruments)
- Is classified as a service module section of a spacecraft

## FAQs
- What is the manufacturer of the SSTL-400?
  The SSTL-400 is manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology.
- What is the country of origin for the SSTL-400?
  The SSTL-400 originates from the United Kingdom.
- What is the primary purpose of the SSTL-400?
  The primary purpose is to serve as the infrastructure of a spacecraft, providing locations for payload (typically space experiments or instruments).

## Why It Matters
The SSTL-400 represents a significant advancement in small satellite technology by providing a standardized, reusable spacecraft bus platform. This approach reduces development costs and time for multiple-production spacecraft, making space exploration more accessible to smaller organizations and research institutions. By establishing a general model on which multiple spacecraft can be based, it democratizes access to space technology and enables more frequent and cost-effective satellite missions.

## Notable For
- It serves as a general model on which multiple-production spacecraft are often based
- Provides standardized infrastructure for spacecraft payloads
- Functions as the service module section of a spacecraft
- Is designed to accommodate space experiments or instruments as payload

## Body
### History
The SSTL-400 represents a key development in the evolution of small satellite technology. As a spacecraft bus built by Surrey Satellite Technology, it emerged as a response to the growing demand for cost-effective and rapidly deployable satellite platforms. The design approach reflects the industry's shift toward modular, reusable components that can be adapted for various mission requirements.

### Architecture
The SSTL-400 serves as the infrastructure of a spacecraft, typically providing locations for payload. This includes the service module section of the spacecraft where essential systems are housed. The bus design incorporates standardized interfaces and mounting points that allow for flexible payload integration. The architecture emphasizes modularity, enabling different payloads to be mounted on the same basic bus platform.

### Ecosystem
The SSTL-400 operates within a broader ecosystem of small satellite technology. It represents one of the multiple-production spacecraft models that have been developed to address the growing market for small satellites. The bus design supports various scientific and commercial applications, from Earth observation to communication experiments. Its standardized nature facilitates collaboration between different organizations and research institutions.

### Technical Specifications
The SSTL-400 provides the fundamental infrastructure for spacecraft operations, including power distribution, thermal control, and communication systems. The bus design incorporates redundant systems and modular components that enhance reliability and maintainability. The platform is engineered to accommodate a wide range of payloads while maintaining consistent performance characteristics across different missions.

### Relationship to Payload
The SSTL-400's primary function is to serve as the service module section of a spacecraft, providing the necessary infrastructure for payload integration. This includes mounting points, power interfaces, and data transfer capabilities. The bus design allows for flexible payload integration, enabling different scientific instruments or commercial equipment to be mounted on the same basic platform.

### Production and Deployment
As a multiple-production spacecraft model, the SSTL-400 has been used for numerous missions across various applications. The standardized design allows for efficient manufacturing and deployment processes. The platform has been adapted for both scientific research and commercial applications, demonstrating its versatility in different mission scenarios.

### Industry Impact
The SSTL-400 has significantly influenced the small satellite industry by establishing a new paradigm for spacecraft development. Its modular approach has reduced the time and cost associated with developing new satellite platforms, making space technology more accessible to a wider range of users. The bus design has become a benchmark for other companies developing small satellite platforms.