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Terran Orbital Concludes Final Launch Preparations for LunIR
Rhea-AI Impact
(Moderate)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Very Positive)
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Rhea-AI Summary
Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) is set to launch its LunIR satellite from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on August 29 at 8:33 a.m. E.T. The lunar satellite aims to capture images of the Moon's surface using an advanced infrared imager, contributing to future exploration efforts. Developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin, this mission emphasizes the collaboration between aerospace leaders in support of NASA's Artemis program. The launch will be streamed live and Kongsberg Satellite Services will manage ground operations.
Positive
Terran Orbital's LunIR satellite is a significant advancement in lunar exploration technology.
Successful collaboration with Lockheed Martin for developing the satellite enhances credibility and future prospects.
The launch aligns with NASA's Artemis program, enabling potential future contracts and engagements.
Negative
None.
The lunar satellite is set to launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on August 29
BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP), a global leader in satellite solutions, primarily serving the United States and Allied aerospace and defense industries, has concluded final launch preparations for LunIR. The groundbreaking lunar satellite will launch aboard NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) as part of the Artemis I mission. The rocket is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center on August 29 at 8:33 a.m. E.T. LunIR will take images of the lunar surface with a new infrared imager that could be useful in supporting future NASA planetary and lunar exploration efforts.
LunIR will fly by the Moon and collect surface thermography as a secondary payload on Artemis 1 – the first flight for NASA's Space Launch System (Image Credit: NASA)
Terran Orbital designed, built, and integrated LunIR under contract with Lockheed Martin, who developed the sensor payload. The satellite’s SLS launch integration is sponsored by NASA’s Artemis Campaign Development division under the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) will provide the mission’s ground stations located in Punta Arenas, Chile; Svalbard, Norway; and Troll research station, Antarctica.
LunIR will conduct a lunar flyby and use an advanced miniature infrared sensor to gather images of the Moon’s surface and environment. An adapted star tracker, used as a “moon camera” will guide the spacecraft via a novel Lockheed Martin algorithm. This algorithm has been integrated into Terran Orbital’s Flight Software, which creates the signals that drives the local actuators. LunIR is Terran Orbital’s second lunar satellite, but will reach the moon before the first, CAPSTONE.
Terran Orbital is presently conducting final mission rehearsals in tandem with Lockheed Martin. Mission rehearsal activities include:
Running through commissioning checklists
Simulating the mission on the Hardware in the Loop (HITL) platform
Reviewing telemetry limits for expected values
Checking all network interfaces with the Ground Software team
Interfacing with the payload data and navigation teams
Practicing anomaly scenarios
“Terran Orbital is honored to work alongside Lockheed Martin in support of NASA’s Artemis program,” said Marc Bell, Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer. “We deeply value our partnership with Lockheed and what this partnership enables us to do for both science and the defense of our Nation. LunIR will change the way people look at and interact with the Moon – and Terran Orbital is privileged to be part of that change.”
“We are very excited for the launch of LunIR aboard the Artemis I mission and our continued collaboration with Terran Orbital in our effort to prove out important technologies for future planetary and lunar exploration,” said John Ricks, Lockheed Martin program manager for LunIR.
“KSAT is proud to provide space-to-ground communication for the LunIR mission and support the grand objectives of NASA’s Artemis Program, through an excellent partnership with Terran Orbital and Lockheed Martin,” said Arnulf Kjeldsen, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Technology at KSAT. “We have been working closely with the Terran Orbital team to prepare the KSAT global ground network for the upcoming launch and are excited to be expanding it in support of additional lunar missions. KSAT is thrilled to be part of this program and looks forward to continuing the collaboration with such great team members; connecting space-and-ground, for future exploration missions.”
For real-time updates on the LunIR mission in the lead-up to launch, follow Terran Orbital, NASA, Lockheed Martin Space, and KSAT on Twitter.
@Terran Orbital
@NASA
@LMSpace
@KSAT_Kongsberg
About Terran Orbital
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellites primarily serving the United States and Allied aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com.
