Redwire Providing Critical Navigation Technology to Guide NASA's First Mission to the Trojan Asteroids

Rhea-AI Summary

Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) is set to provide essential navigation components for NASA's upcoming Lucy mission, launching no earlier than October 16, 2021. This mission aims to explore Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, marking a significant venture in our solar system's study. Redwire has delivered two Coarse Sun Sensor (CSS) Pyramids under a contract with Lockheed Martin, completing acceptance testing in July 2020. These sensors enhance solar array pointing and navigation capabilities, vital for Lucy's journey to visit eight asteroids over 12 years, promising groundbreaking insights into planetary formation.

Positive

• Secured a contract with NASA and Lockheed Martin for critical navigation technology.
• Successful delivery and testing of Coarse Sun Sensor (CSS) Pyramids enhance mission reliability.
• Participation in a groundbreaking mission exploring Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, potentially increasing visibility and credibility in the aerospace sector.

Negative

• None.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), a leader in mission critical space infrastructure for the next generation space economy, is providing critical navigation components for NASA's Lucy mission, the first spacecraft to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids. The mission is set to launch no earlier than Saturday, Oct. 16, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

Redwire delivered two Coarse Sun Sensor (CSS) Pyramids —a 2 axis sensor containing four detectors, used for solar array pointing, sun acquisition, and failsafe recovery—for the Lucy program through a contract with Lockheed Martin. Acceptance testing of the CSS Pyramids was completed in early July 2020 and shipment was made to Lockheed Martin later that month to support spacecraft integration and test.

"Redwire is proud to be working alongside our mission partners as a trusted supplier for NASA's groundbreaking Lucy program," said Don Wesson, leader of Redwire's Sensors business. "Building on decades of flight heritage, our sensor technology will enable the advanced navigation capabilities needed to ensure Lucy meets its science and exploration objectives to reveal new details about our solar system."

Lucy will visit eight different asteroids over 12 years following a complex path, making it the first mission launched to as many different destinations in independent orbits around our Sun. Giving us a first-time view of the primordial bodies that built the planets, Lucy will expand our understanding of the formation of the solar system.

Building on decades of flight heritage, Redwire's sensors and components provide more flexibility and capability on-orbit with more processing power and smaller form factors. CSS technology has successfully performed in highly elliptical, geostationary, and low and medium Earth orbits about the Earth, and on various interplanetary missions to the Moon and Mars, and in deep space. 

 

About Redwire  
Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) is a leader in mission critical space solutions and high reliability components for the next generation space economy, with valuable IP for solar power generation and in-space 3D printing and manufacturing. With decades of flight heritage combined with the agile and innovative culture of a commercial space platform, Redwire is uniquely positioned to assist its customers in solving the complex challenges of future space missions. For more information, please visit www.redwirespace.com.  

Media Contact:   
Tere Riley    
Tere.Riley@redwirespace.com 
321-831-0134 

OR 

Investors: 
investorrelations@redwirespace.com 

 

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SOURCE Redwire

FAQ

What is Redwire Corporation's role in NASA's Lucy mission?

Redwire Corporation is providing essential navigation components, specifically two Coarse Sun Sensor (CSS) Pyramids, for NASA's Lucy mission.

When is the NASA Lucy mission scheduled to launch?

The NASA Lucy mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than October 16, 2021.

What is the significance of the Lucy mission?

The Lucy mission is significant as it will study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, providing insights into the formation of the solar system.

What technology has Redwire provided for NASA's Lucy mission?

Redwire has provided Coarse Sun Sensor (CSS) Pyramids that assist in solar array pointing and navigation for the spacecraft.

How long will the Lucy mission last?

The Lucy mission will last approximately 12 years, visiting eight different asteroids.