Blue Canyon Technologies Selected by Ball Aerospace to Provide Spacecraft Bus for NASA Solar Cruiser Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon Technologies, through its subsidiary Blue Canyon Technologies, is set to develop a microsatellite bus for NASA's Solar Cruiser project, the largest solar sail mission to date. The Solar Cruiser, covering 18,000 square feet, aims to advance solar sail propulsion technology, enhancing NASA's space science missions. Scheduled for launch no earlier than 2025, the project reflects two decades of development in solar sail technology. Blue Canyon's role includes creating customized components and software for the mission.

Positive

• Selected by Ball Aerospace for a significant NASA mission.
• Development of a microsatellite bus for the Solar Cruiser project.
• Enhances Raytheon's reputation in space technology and innovation.

Negative

• Launch not expected before 2025, delaying potential benefits.
• Heavy reliance on partners like Ball Aerospace may pose risks.

LAFAYETTE, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Small satellite manufacturer and mission services provider Blue Canyon Technologies LLC ("BCT" or "Blue Canyon"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), was selected by Ball Aerospace to develop a standardized X-SAT Venus ESPA-class microsatellite bus and several custom components to enable an upcoming one-of-a-kind mission with NASA for the Solar Cruiser project.

As the largest planned solar sail to date, the 18,000 square-foot sail is a third the size of a football field. The Solar Cruiser: "Sailing on Sunlight" mission is being led by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center out of Huntsville, Alabama. Ball Aerospace will perform several mission-critical functions, including the integration and test of the satellite bus with the solar sail system that will form the completed “Sailcraft.” Other partners on the mission include Roccor, NeXolve, SDL, Purdue University, and the University of Alabama. According to NASA, Solar Cruiser will mature solar sail propulsion technology to enable near-term, compelling space science missions for NASA and the nation. NASA is expected to formally confirm the Solar Cruiser mission in 2022.

"Our high-performing spacecraft, components and systems are designed to meet each mission’s specific needs," said Stephen Steg, CEO of Blue Canyon Technologies.

BCT will support custom guidance navigation and control software and provide custom solar arrays aboard the mission scheduled for launch no earlier than 2025. Solar Cruiser is one of four missions that will rideshare with the launch of NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP). The Solar Cruiser is the culmination of two decades of U.S. solar sail development and will allow space missions to new locations.

About Blue Canyon Technologies

Blue Canyon Technologies (BCT), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, offers a diverse portfolio of innovative, reliable and affordable spacecraft that enable a broad range of missions and technological advancements for the new space economy, reducing the barriers of space entry. BCT is currently supporting nearly 50 unique missions with over 90 spacecraft, all in production at their newly developed 80,000-square-foot facility in Lafayette, Colorado.

BCT has supported missions for the U.S. Air Force, NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and provided the Attitude Control Systems for the first interplanetary CubeSats, which successfully traveled to Mars. The company has been recognized with awards from Inc. Magazine's 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies, the 2020 Best in Biz Award and the 2020 Tibbetts Award.

For the latest news on Blue Canyon Technologies and for other company information, please visit www.bluecanyontech.com. You can follow the company on Instagram here or Twitter here.

About Raytheon Intelligence & Space

Raytheon Intelligence & Space delivers the disruptive technologies our customers need to succeed in any domain, against any challenge. A developer of advanced sensors, training, and cyber and software solutions, Raytheon Intelligence & Space provides a decisive advantage to civil, military and commercial customers in more than 46 countries around the world. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the business generated $15 billion in pro forma annual revenue in 2020 and has 37,000 employees worldwide. Raytheon Intelligence & Space is one of four businesses that form Raytheon Technologies Corporation.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006226/en/

Natalie Miller, 714-496-0839

Source: Blue Canyon Technologies

FAQ

What is the Solar Cruiser project related to Raytheon Technologies (RTX)?

The Solar Cruiser project is a NASA mission aimed at developing solar sail propulsion technology, with Raytheon's subsidiary Blue Canyon Technologies selected to develop the microsatellite bus.

When is the launch date for the Solar Cruiser mission?

The Solar Cruiser mission is scheduled for launch no earlier than 2025.

What role does Blue Canyon Technologies play in the Solar Cruiser project?

Blue Canyon Technologies will develop a standardized microsatellite bus and custom components for NASA's Solar Cruiser mission.

How large is the solar sail for the Solar Cruiser mission?

The solar sail for the Solar Cruiser mission will measure 18,000 square feet, making it the largest planned solar sail to date.

Who are the partners involved in the Solar Cruiser mission?

Partners in the Solar Cruiser mission include Ball Aerospace, Roccor, NeXolve, SDL, Purdue University, and the University of Alabama.