Sidus Space Incorporates NASA Stennis ASTRA Flight Software and Hardware on LizzieSat

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 08 December 2023 04:45

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 08, 2023

Sidus Space, Inc. (NASDAQ:SIDU) has successfully integrated the ASTRA (Autonomous Satellite Technology for Resilient Applications) Flight Software Version 1.0 and accompanying flight hardware, provided by NASA Stennis, onto its LizzieSat satellite. The installation comes in anticipation of LizzieSat's upcoming launch in the first quarter of 2024 aboard SpaceX Transporter 10. This milestone

Sidus Space Incorporates NASA Stennis ASTRA Flight Software and Hardware on LizzieSat
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 08, 2023

Sidus Space, Inc. (NASDAQ:SIDU) has successfully integrated the ASTRA (Autonomous Satellite Technology for Resilient Applications) Flight Software Version 1.0 and accompanying flight hardware, provided by NASA Stennis, onto its LizzieSat satellite. The installation comes in anticipation of LizzieSat's upcoming launch in the first quarter of 2024 aboard SpaceX Transporter 10.

This milestone was preceded by NASA Stennis's Flight Readiness Review, confirming readiness for the 2024 launch. LizzieSat will serve as the host for six payloads, with the ASTRA software taking center stage as a critical component of the mission. The ASTRA software, now integrated with the corresponding flight hardware, will be instrumental during the satellite's on-orbit testing phase.

Once LizzieSat embarks on its journey into space, the NASA Stennis Autonomous Systems Laboratory team will be responsible for sending precise commands to the ASTRA Flight Software, executed via the Sidus flight computer.

This initial version of the software boasts essential features such as vehicle systems management capabilities and the flexibility to update software versions and incorporate additional capabilities throughout the mission, which may span over two years.

Carol Craig, the Founder and CEO of Sidus Space, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, "The integration of the NASA Stennis ASTRA software will provide us with the necessary flight heritage for future deep space missions, and we are excited to begin this process. This is an important step for the two organizations and the industry as a whole as we step further into space and beyond."

Dr. Rick Gilbrech, Director of the Stennis Center, said, "This is a significant achievement. This will be the first time NASA Stennis has flown software to space, and we are excited to join Sidus Space for this mission. It is a great opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the NASA Stennis software, as well as the center's autonomous systems team."