TET-1

The Technologie Erprobungs Trager or carrier system for technological experiments TET is the core element of the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) “On Orbit Verification” (OOV) program. The goal of the program is to qualify new technological solutions for application in space projects.

The program serves to bridge the gap between the product tested and qualified on the ground and its utilization in space. With a design based on the BIRD satellite bus, the TET satellite bus fulfills the program requirements most adequately.

TET is designed to be a flexible, modular micro satellite for orbits of 450 km to 850 km and for inclinations ranging from 53° to SSO. With an overall mass of 120 kg, TET is able to accommodate experiments or payloads of up to 50 kg. The first TET mission is scheduled to be launched with the Russian SOYUS/FREGAT spacecraft in 2011.