Terran Orbital Delivers LunIR to Cape Canaveral for Artemis 1 Launch

Rhea-AI Summary

Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) has successfully delivered LunIR, a 6U satellite, to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis 1 mission. LunIR will collect lunar surface data and conduct technology demonstrations critical for deep-space operations. This satellite, developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin, aims to provide insights into lunar and Martian exploration. The mission's results may enhance NASA's plans for long-duration space missions.

Positive

• Successful delivery of LunIR satellite enhances Terran Orbital's collaboration with NASA and Lockheed Martin.
• LunIR's technology demonstration could help address NASA's strategic knowledge gaps for lunar and Martian missions.
• Opportunity to contribute to future deep-space exploration could improve investor confidence.

Negative

• None.

Artemis 1 will launch from Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center

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 delivered LunIR to Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. LunIR is a 6U satellite that will fly by the Moon and collect surface thermography as a secondary payload on Artemis 1 – a test mission for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). Offering more payload mass, volume capability, and energy, SLS, the world’s most powerful rocket to date, can carry more payload to deep space than any other vehicle. SLS also houses the Orion capsule – NASA’s spacecraft that will take humans deep into space. After the flyby, LunIR will conduct technology demonstrations related to deep-space operations.

LunIR is a 6U satellite that will fly by the Moon and collect surface thermography as a secondary payload on Artemis 1 (Credit: Terran Orbital Corporation)

LunIR is Terran Orbital’s second lunar satellite with the currently Moon-bound CAPSTONE being the first. Terran Orbital will guide LunIR via a “moon camera” vision guidance system that digests a novel Lockheed Martin algorithm to locate pointing targets.

The Lunar InfraRed imaging spacecraft, also known as LunIR, is the result of a joint effort between Lockheed Martin and Terran Orbital. Lockheed Martin developed LunIR’s infrared sensor and cryocooler to operate in both day and night, mapping the lunar surface, detecting materials, and collecting thermal signatures. The company also provides the overall systems engineering and mission planning. Terran Orbital designed and built the spacecraft and is responsible for integration and mission assurance.

The mission’s primary objective is a technology demonstration whose findings will potentially address NASA’s strategic knowledge gaps (SKGs) for surface characterization, remote sensing, and site selection observations for the Moon, as well as long-duration missions to Mars. The LunIR sensor could be an important tool for astronauts returning to the Moon, and going beyond to Mars.

“Working alongside Lockheed Martin and NASA is always a privilege,” said Marc Bell, Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer. “The technologies Lockheed and NASA bring to the table are second to none. LunIR will help us understand the truly infinite opportunities in lunar and Martian travel. Terran Orbital is thankful for the opportunity to develop and operate the spacecraft for this groundbreaking mission.”

“We look forward to continuing to work with Terran Orbital on this important technology demonstration, and we’re eager to see what images LunIR collects of the Moon once it’s on its way,” said John Ricks, Lockheed Martin program manager for LunIR.

LunIR includes two deployable solar panels. The 11 kg satellite will communicate with Earth via ground stations operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) in Punta Arenas, Chile; Svalbard, Norway; and Troll station, Antarctica.

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 in-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220818005194/en/

Virginia Norder

pr@terranorbital.com

949-508-6404

Source: Terran Orbital Corporation

FAQ

What is the purpose of the LunIR satellite launched by Terran Orbital (LLAP)?

The LunIR satellite will collect surface thermography of the Moon and conduct technology demonstrations during the Artemis 1 mission.

When was LunIR delivered to NASA's Kennedy Space Center?

LunIR was delivered to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in connection with the Artemis 1 mission.

Which companies collaborated on the LunIR satellite?

Terran Orbital collaborated with Lockheed Martin on the LunIR satellite project.

What potential benefits does LunIR provide for future space missions?

LunIR may help address NASA's strategic knowledge gaps and assist in long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

What is the significance of the Artemis 1 mission for Terran Orbital (LLAP)?

The Artemis 1 mission provides Terran Orbital with an opportunity to demonstrate their technology and capabilities in lunar exploration.