Today, Terran Orbital Corporation LLAP (“Terran Orbital” or the “Company”), a prominent figure in the realm of satellite-based solutions particularly catering to the aerospace and defense sectors, made waves with the announcement of the forthcoming launch of its Pathfinder-R (PTD-R) and Pathfinder-4 (PTD-4) spacecraft. These 6U Triumph class space vehicles are gearing up for liftoff aboard the Transporter-11 Rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on August 16. These missions are part of NASA’s Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) series, designed to evaluate the feasibility and operational efficiency of various technologies in low-Earth orbit.
The sequenced PTD missions are poised to exhibit and endorse innovative subsystem technologies that can be expanded upon and leveraged for a wide array of future scientific and exploratory quests. Terran Orbital’s Triumph spacecraft bus and advanced MK II avionics platform form the crux of these progressive Pathfinder missions. “Given the complete trust vested in us for this mission series, we at Terran Orbital are ready not just to meet but to surpass the expectations set for us, as we chart our course into the cosmos,” stated Marc Bell, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer at Terran Orbital.
Among the two spacecraft, PTD-4 plans to validate a new solar panel system crafted by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Dubbed LISA-T, this versatile system is distinctive for its lightweight nature and the ability to unfold in space, revealing a substantial solar panel with an integrated antenna. The mission will evaluate solar panel deployment, power generation, and antenna performance in the expanse between Earth and the vehicle.
The other craft, PTD-R, houses Lawrence Livermore National Lab’s Deep Purple payload. This payload features two monolithic telescopes (one for UV and the other for VIS/SWIR imaging), along with a compact electronics module, and a pioneering, lightweight, carbon-composite optical housing and radiator. The primary goals of its mission are to observe UV and SWIR light emissions from high-UV stars and the galactic bulge of the Milky Way, while also showcasing space domain awareness capabilities.
SEOPS, a rideshare services provider, oversaw the mission management and integration services for the two payloads.
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About Terran Orbital
Terran Orbital stands out as a premier manufacturer of satellite products primarily dedicated to the aerospace and defense spheres. Offering end-to-end satellite solutions encompassing satellite design, manufacturing, launch coordination, mission operations, and on-orbit assistance, Terran Orbital is committed to meeting the requirements of the most discerning military, civil, and commercial clients. Discover more at www.terranorbital.com.
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