Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image credit: Lockheed Martin

That LunIR CubeSat deployed by NASA’s Space Launch System is lost to space. The radio signal received from the hitchhiking LunIR spacecraft was weaker than expected.

Ground control teams were able to downlink some data to help analyze the CubeSat’s issues.

However, as time passed, the ability to accurately predict the spacecraft’s location grew more challenging. Furthermore, there’s limited bandwidth available from deep space communications and networking resources – and the many missions that depend on those assets.

“So while we remain hopeful that a station will catch a signal from LunIR again one day, we are no longer conducting an active, dedicated search for the spacecraft,” said Lauren Duda, a spokesperson for Lockheed Martin.

Novel infrared camera

LunIR stands for Lunar InfraRed Imaging. It was a technology demonstration mission with a goal to prove out a novel type of infrared camera. The shoebox-sized spacecraft was built and integrated by Terran Orbital of Irvine, California. The CubeSat’s first-of-its-kind infrared sensor and unique micro-cryocooler were both developed by Lockheed Martin.

Image credit: Lockheed Martin

Once deployed, the small satellite, LunIR was to perform a lunar flyby taking images of the Moon’s surface and its environment. It would have performed observations to help address Strategic Knowledge Gaps about the Moon, related to surface characterization, remote sensing, and site selection observations.

Learning experience

“While we are disappointed LunIR was unable to complete its mission, we’ve learned so much through its unique design and development. Lockheed Martin will continue to build on lessons in sensors and cryocooler technology and their applications for our exploration of the Moon, and we look forward to future opportunities to continue supporting NASA on tech demonstrations,” Duda said.

Lockheed Martin has posted this Twitter thread about what was learned in developing the CubeSat mission.

Go to:

https://twitter.com/LMSpace/status/1600926003232182280?s=20&t=6Ad9eZ0kzCtpj5yBCivmFw