tldrdaily.news logo
Tag

Spacecraft Operations

All articles tagged with #spacecraft operations

space-exploration1 year ago

NASA Tests New "Autopilot" Software for Moon Missions

NASA's CAPSTONE mission, a cubesat launched in 2022, is testing advanced autonomous navigation and maneuvering software in cislunar space. Despite early technical issues, the spacecraft is now operational and aiding in the development of the cislunar Gateway space station. The mission, costing around $30 million, includes testing software for precision navigation, anomaly detection, and deep space maneuvering, aiming to enhance future spacecraft operations in the lunar vicinity.

via SpaceNews|
#autonomous-navigation#capstone#cislunar-space
space-technology1 year ago

"First Electric Thruster Successfully Tested by Benchmark Space Systems"

Benchmark Space Systems has successfully flown its first electric thruster, the Xantus, on the Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Weather Systems (EWS) demonstration cubesat. The thruster, acquired through the company's acquisition of Alameda Applied Science Corporation, uses molybdenum as propellant and is expected to be used for end-to-end spacecraft operations, including deorbiting. Benchmark plans to produce more than 50 units this year, with a focus on serving the microsat and ESPA-class spacecraft market.

via SpaceNews|
#benchmark-space-systems#cubesat#electric-propulsion
spacetechnology2 years ago

"Peregrine Lunar Lander Defies Odds, Continues Operating on Moon"

Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander, despite encountering a dire fuel leak shortly after launch, has defied the odds by remaining operational in space for over four days, with the estimated operational time continuing to extend. The company has received critical data from many of the payloads on board, and while a soft landing on the moon is unlikely and a shortened lifetime is certain due to the leak, the extended operational life is a significant achievement for the mission team and payload contributors.

via TechCrunch|
#astrobotic#peregrine-lunar-lander#propellant-leak