Terran Orbital Delivers NASA Pathfinder (PTD-3) Satellite Carrying MIT Lincoln Laboratory Payload Ahead of SpaceX Transporter-5 Mission

Rhea-AI Summary

Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) announced the delivery of its Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator 3 (PTD-3) satellite to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for SpaceX's upcoming Transporter-5 mission. PTD-3 is a 6U CubeSat supporting NASA's TBIRD payload, aimed at demonstrating advanced space-to-ground data transfer capabilities. This mission promises to revolutionize data communications for space exploration, potentially delivering terabytes of data daily to ground stations. The successful integration marks a significant step in enhancing satellite technology.

Positive

• Delivery of PTD-3 satellite to Cape Canaveral enhances operational capabilities.
• PTD-3 supports NASA's TBIRD payload, demonstrating advanced data transfer technology.
• Potential to deliver multiple terabytes of data daily could revolutionize communication in space exploration.

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• None.

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP), a global leader in satellite solutions, primarily serving the United States aerospace and defense industry, today announced it delivered its Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator 3 (PTD-3) satellite to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for integration ahead of SpaceX’s Transporter-5 mission.

Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator 3 (Photo: Terran Orbital Corporation)

PTD-3 is a 6-unit (6U) CubeSat built and integrated by Terran Orbital to host and support launch and on-orbit operations of the TeraByte InfraRed Delivery (TBIRD) payload funded by NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program and developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory (MITLL). The TBIRD mission is the second mission in the PTD series funded by the Small Spacecraft Technology program in NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate. The mission will demonstrate a space-to-ground data transfer capability at orders of magnitude faster than previously demonstrated technologies. This technology could open doors to large volume data communications and data accessibility for advanced space exploration— delivering multiple terabytes of data per day to a single ground station.

“Terran Orbital is thrilled to deliver pioneering satellite solutions that are changing the space landscape,” said Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Marc Bell. “PTD-3 will not only disrupt the way our Earth receives data, but also fine-tune future mission capabilities. We look forward to fostering our relationships with NASA, MITLL, and SpaceX as we continue to deliver groundbreaking technologies.”

Each PTD mission consists of a 6U CubeSat weighing approximately 12 kilograms and measuring 36 cm × 23 cm × 10 cm. Each PTD spacecraft will also be equipped with deployable solar arrays that can provide a peak power of 120 watts while on orbit.

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of small satellites primarily serving the United States aerospace and defense industry. 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/20220523005170/en/

Virginia Norder

pr@terranorbital.com

949-508-6404

Source: Terran Orbital Corporation

FAQ

What is the significance of the PTD-3 satellite delivery by Terran Orbital (LLAP)?

The delivery of PTD-3 signifies a critical advancement in satellite technology, enabling faster space-to-ground data transfer, essential for future space exploration.

When was the PTD-3 satellite delivered to Cape Canaveral?

Terran Orbital announced the delivery of the PTD-3 satellite to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for integration ahead of SpaceX's Transporter-5 mission.

What are the capabilities of the PTD-3 satellite?

The PTD-3 satellite is designed to support NASA's TBIRD mission, demonstrating data transfer capabilities orders of magnitude faster than previous technologies.

How could PTD-3 impact future space missions?

PTD-3 could significantly enhance data communication capabilities, allowing for large volume data transfer that is crucial for advanced space exploration missions.

Which organizations are involved with the PTD-3 mission?

The PTD-3 mission involves collaboration between Terran Orbital, NASA, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and SpaceX.