Terran Orbital Delivers NASA’s CubeSat Proximity Operations Demonstration to SpaceX Transporter-5 for Launch

Rhea-AI Summary

Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) has successfully delivered its CubeSat Proximity Operations Demonstration (CPOD) satellite to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for integration with the SpaceX Transporter-5 launch vehicle. Funded by NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program, CPOD aims to validate technologies needed for rendezvous and docking operations using a pair of 3-unit CubeSats. This mission is expected to significantly reduce vehicle mass and costs, leading to future missions. CEO Marc Bell highlighted CPOD's groundbreaking nature and its potential for revolutionary missions.

Positive

• Successful delivery of the CPOD satellite enhances Terran Orbital's position in satellite technology.
• Funding from NASA underscores credibility and potential for future projects.
• CPOD's technology aims to reduce vehicle mass by approximately 10x compared to previous missions.

Negative

• 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 CubeSat Proximity Operations Demonstration (CPOD) satellite to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for integration into the SpaceX Transporter-5 launch vehicle.

CubeSat Proximity Operations Demonstration (Photo: Terran Orbital Corporation)

The CPOD project is being led by Terran Orbital with funding from NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. The technology demonstration mission will validate the technologies needed to support rendezvous, proximity operations, docking (RPOD), servicing, and formation flight by utilizing a pair of identical 3-unit (3U) CubeSats – leveraging their inherently lower vehicle and launch costs.

CPOD will demonstrate the ability of two spacecraft to remain at determined points relative to each other (called relative station-keeping), as well as precision circumnavigation and docking. Docking will employ the use of a novel universal docking device, imaging sensors, and a multi-thruster cold gas propulsion system. CPOD represents roughly 10x mass reduction from previous vehicles and program costs and will enable the creation of future missions not previously possible.

“Terran Orbital takes pride in continuously providing state-of-the-art satellite technologies,” said Terran Orbital Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Marc Bell. “Itself already groundbreaking, CPOD is also paving the way for future revolutionary missions. Terran Orbital looks forward to fostering our partnership with NASA as we progress cutting-edge mission solutions."

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/20220517005269/en/

Virginia Norder

pr@terranorbital.com

949-508-6404

Source: Terran Orbital Corporation

FAQ

What is the CubeSat Proximity Operations Demonstration (CPOD) by LLAP?

CPOD is a satellite project led by Terran Orbital to demonstrate technologies needed for rendezvous, docking, and servicing operations using CubeSats.

When was the CPOD satellite delivered by Terran Orbital?

The CPOD satellite was delivered to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for integration with the SpaceX Transporter-5 launch vehicle.

How does the CPOD project reduce costs for satellite missions?

CPOD aims to reduce vehicle mass and overall program costs, allowing for missions that were previously not feasible.

Who is funding the CPOD project?

The CPOD project is funded by NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program.

What are the potential future applications of the technologies demonstrated by CPOD?

The technologies from CPOD could enable future missions involving servicing, formation flight, and advanced docking capabilities.