by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 26, 2024
Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP), a leader in small satellite technology, has achieved a significant milestone with its 12U nanosatellite, which has now exceeded 450 days in orbit around the moon. This achievement is part of the CAPSTONE (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) mission, in collaboration with Advanced Space, to support NASA's ambitious lunar exploration goals under the Artemis program.
Launched on June 28, 2022, the CAPSTONE nanosatellite is built on Terran Orbital's proven Voyager platform, which has showcased remarkable stability and performance in the challenging lunar environment. This successful mission marks a historic moment for small spacecraft technology and its potential in supporting critical navigation experiments for lunar exploration.
The satellite entered lunar orbit on November 17, 2022, demonstrating the robust design and engineering prowess of Terran Orbital. The company's commitment to building reliable and versatile space vehicle platforms is evident in the satellite's flawless operation, which is expected to continue until May 2024. This extended mission duration not only underscores the satellite's exceptional capabilities but also Terran Orbital's dedication to advancing space exploration technology.
Marc Bell, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer at Terran Orbital, expressed pride in the company's contribution to the Artemis program, stating, "This enhanced mission is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of our Voyager platform and the dedication of our talented team. We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Advanced Space and NASA on this groundbreaking mission and to contribute to the success of Artemis."
The CAPSTONE mission's ongoing success in gathering valuable data for lunar exploration underscores the effectiveness of Terran Orbital's innovative technologies. This achievement positions the company as a frontrunner in providing reliable and cost-effective solutions for deep space exploration.
Bradley Cheetham, CEO and President of Advanced Space, also highlighted the mission's significance, saying, "The CAPSTONE mission is continuing to deliver valuable data and experience that will inform future exploration missions. We remain grateful that NASA provided us this opportunity and together with our mission partners look forward to continued operations."
Terran Orbital's commitment to developing cutting-edge small satellite technologies is evident in its Voyager platform, which serves as the foundation for a wide range of missions, from Earth observation to deep space exploration. The company continues to set the standard for reliability and performance in the space technology sector, paving the way for future lunar exploration missions and beyond.
Related Links
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