Lockheed Martin’s Space Upgrade Satellite System (LM LINUSS) completes demonstration of how highly automated CubeSats can upgrade and serve an increasingly popular constellation of small satellites in an autonomous orbital ballet Did.
One constant of commercial space operations is that launching satellites is always expensive, and simply abandoning perfectly good orbital assets due to failure is often cost-effective.
That attitude has changed in recent years, with companies like Northrop Grumman opting to develop repair satellites that can dock with aging or malfunctioning satellites, acting as service modules so they can maintain the station. to allow continued functionality.
That’s fine for the large geostationary satellites used to maintain the global communications network, but what about the constellation of small satellites that aren’t much bigger than Pan? or may be outdated.
Lockheed’s LM LINUSS is one step towards solving this problem. Consisting of toaster-sized LM 50 2U CubeSats, the system is designed to perform highly automated rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), prior to becoming operational with multiple satellite constellations. needed as preparation.
In a recent demo, one satellite acted as a passive target and another acted as a service vehicle. Using online navigation algorithms and artificial intelligence, the service vehicle successfully approached and rendezvous with the target.
In addition, these satellites tested Lockheed Martin’s Horizon 2.0 command and control (C2) software and SmartSat software. A maintained connection for telemetry, tracking and control. Demonstrated low toxicity propulsion system, machine vision, and validated use of 3D printed components.
“LM LINUSS Pathfinder is a great example of how Lockheed Martin invests in real-world innovation,” said Jonathon Caldwell, Vice President and General Manager of Military Spaces at Lockheed Martin. increase. “Agile development, cloud-based operations and small satellite platforms were quickly integrated in orbit where real-world testing of the technology took place. We are pioneering how the mission of Orbit will be upgraded, and we will continue to develop important breakthrough technologies that will keep our customers ready.”
Source: Lockheed Martin
