The PTD missions are focused on proving new subsystem technologies that can be scaled for future scientific and exploration missions. Terran Orbital's Triumph spacecraft bus, coupled with its advanced MK II avionics platform, is the foundation for these Pathfinder missions. Following the successful launch, Marc Bell, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Terran Orbital, remarked, "Entrusted with the entirety of this mission series, we at Terran Orbital stand poised to not only meet but also exceed the expectations set before us, as we forge ahead into the cosmos."
The PTD-4 spacecraft is now in orbit and will begin testing a new solar panel system developed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. This lightweight system, known as LISA-T, is designed to unfold in space, revealing a large solar panel equipped with an integrated antenna. The mission will evaluate the deployment of the solar panel, power generation capabilities, and antenna performance in space.
The PTD-R spacecraft, which also reached its intended orbit, carries the Deep Purple payload from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This payload includes two monolithic telescopes-one for ultraviolet (UV) imaging and another for visible/shortwave infrared (VIS/SWIR) imaging-along with a compact electronics module, and a lightweight carbon-composite optical housing and radiator. The PTD-R mission will focus on observing UV and SWIR light from high-UV stars and the Milky Way's galactic bulge, as well as demonstrating capabilities in space domain awareness.
SEOPS, a rideshare services provider, managed the mission integration and provided support for the successful deployment of both payloads.
Related Links
Terran Orbital
Microsat News and Nanosat News at SpaceMart.com
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