Terran Orbital's Pathfinder Spacecraft Set for Launch on SpaceX Mission

Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP), a leading provider of satellite solutions for the aerospace and defence industries, has announced the upcoming launch of its Pathfinder-R (PTD-R) and Pathfinder-4 (PTD-4) spacecraft. These 6U Triumph class satellites are scheduled to blast off aboard SpaceX's Transporter-11 Rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 16 August.

The Pathfinder spacecraft are part of NASA's Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) series, designed to evaluate the practicality and performance of various technologies in low-Earth orbit. The PTD missions aim to validate new and innovative subsystem technologies with the potential to be scaled and implemented in future scientific and exploratory missions.

Terran Orbital's Triumph spacecraft bus and advanced MK II avionics platform serve as the foundation for these Pathfinder missions. Marc Bell, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Terran Orbital, expressed confidence in the company's ability to exceed expectations on this mission series, stating, "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."

Pathfinder-4 (PTD-4) is tasked with testing a new solar panel system developed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. This multi-functional system, known as LISA-T, stands out for its lightweight design and its ability to unfold in space, revealing a large solar panel with an integrated antenna. The mission will assess the deployment of the solar panel, its power generation capabilities, and the performance of the antenna in communication between the Earth and the spacecraft.

The second spacecraft, Pathfinder-R (PTD-R), carries Lawrence Livermore National Lab's Deep Purple payload. This payload encompasses two monolithic telescopes (one for UV and the other for VIS/SWIR imaging), a compact electronics module, and a lightweight carbon-composite optical housing and radiator. The primary objectives of this mission are to observe UV and SWIR light emanating from high-UV stars and the Milky Way's galactic bulge, as well as to demonstrate space domain awareness capabilities.

SEOPS, a provider of rideshare services, has taken on the responsibility of mission management and integration for the two payloads.

The upcoming launch of the Pathfinder spacecraft on the Transporter-11 mission marks a significant milestone in Terran Orbital's contribution to the advancement of space technology and exploration. These missions hold the potential to pave the way for future innovations in satellite design and operation, propelling scientific discovery and expanding our understanding of the cosmos.