Quindar’s Post

🎙️ Today on Main Engine Cut Off: Redwire Space has been awarded a contract by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to be prime mission integrator for their Otter program, flying Redwire’s new SabreSat spacecraft in VLEO. We dive into the technical and operational details with Spence Wise: https://lnkd.in/emp-Vgcx We talk about SabreSat generally, its use cases and configurations, how it applies to the wider market, how to launch a spacecraft shaped like this, what the operational challenges and opportunities are in VLEO, which missions make the most sense in that regime, and so much more.

This week, our #JUICE spacecraft swung by the Moon and Planet Earth en route to Jupiter. This combined fly-by, in fact an unprecedented ‘Lunar Earth Gravity Assist (LEGA)’ maneuver, decelerated the spacecraft and directed it towards Venus for a 2025 fly-by. Two more of such maneuvers will follow before JUICE will reach Jupiter in 2031. There are often many years between the successful launch of a Spacecraft and the moment it actually reaches its destination (in this case, Jupiter and its Icy Moons). Highlights like these are a regular reminder of the amazing missions we plan and execute, and the immense work that is behind not only the spacecraft itself, but also in actually getting it to its destination safely. For those interested in more detail, I recommend the European Space Agency - ESA Rocket Science blog at https://lnkd.in/gdiZKTzz Airbus Defence and Space

Our spacecraft landing systems, also known as impact bags, are engineered with precision to guarantee a safe touchdown for spacecraft. These systems create a protective barrier with cushioning during landings, ensuring the safety of extremely heavy payloads landing on the Moon and Mars. Learn more about our impact bags: https://bit.ly/3UmHMKs #BeyondBoundaries

There is always a balance to be struck, such as manual override switches or functions that are needed that are hardwired if your GUI goes blue screen or blank, regardless of the Flight Computer redundancy or the levels of radiation it may have been tested to. There is much to be encountered in these Moon and Mars exploration missions, we best be prepared for any and all eventualities out there. Space exploration is unforgiving and with so many new comers some of the old lessons may have not have been addressed or covered. I for one will go with the level the Orion Space Capsule currently has and the configuration of the displays from Honeywell to allow us to program for any direct functionality if needed. Look at how screens on military aircraft or within industrial/hazardous operations complex, like a refinery or mining, are used and their fallbacks if a redundant architecture fails. Recovery from some events maybe a couple of seconds or less with little time to wait for a computer driving the displays to reboot. Just think of the times we have had to command in the blind to recover vehicle functions when telemetry or 1553 Bus data was not available to the ground.

The best way to reduce space junk is to not leave space junk. The D3 is a reliable mechanical boom to safely deorbit smallsats. The FCC has a new 5 year rule to mitigate space junk and this is superior to propulsion in my view. Prop can get finicky at end of mission life and relying on gravity for natural deorbit creates unnecessary risk. You can read about the FCC’s 5 year rule for deorbiting satellites here: https://lnkd.in/ecWx6FTP

The Purpose Of Reaction Control Systems On Spacecraft Learn more and read the full, in-depth article by following the link below: https://lnkd.in/d_4U3Y5G

“If the opportunity arises for SpaceX to launch the USDV, we’d happily support it,” Always love when SpaceX keeps the door open for someone else to compete, knowing full well that the odds of that are extremely low. Besides tech dev, there are significant strategic challenges to overcome. But, there are successful paths forward, which we continue to explore in our Satellite Infrastructure program at Analysys Mason (link in comments)

A private scientific ride to ISS. 👏 Inspiring ❤️ Countries can leverage diplomacy & international relations to achieve such rides to have scientific success in the field of microgravity rather than simply enjoying joy rides. Developing nations should keep this in mind before planning such missions. Missions should have purpose and impact. #nasa #isro #esa #jaxa #russianspaceagency #trish #spacex #developingcountries

Are UFOs actually alien spacecraft visiting us from other galaxies? In this episode, Dr. Ross explains whether that explanation works and whether we would actually benefit from such a visit. https://hubs.li/Q02B_kHk0

A New Era in Space Operations is Coming! True Anomaly and Firefly Aerospace are teaming up for a groundbreaking mission aimed at revolutionizing rapid-response space operations, all leading to an exciting 2025 launch! Here’s why this mission is a game-changer: 24-hour launch window: From order to liftoff in just one day! Autonomous spacecraft: True Anomaly’s Jackal vehicle is pushing the boundaries of space technology. U.S. Space Force backing: A key part of the Tactically Responsive Space program. The Victus Haze mission goes beyond speed—it’s an intricate orbital maneuver with Rocket Lab, testing the ability to counter orbital threats at a moment’s notice. All eyes are on the 2025 launch, as this mission marks a huge leap forward in space tech and national security. Best of luck to your teams, Even Rogers and Jason Kim! #Aerospace #Defense #NationalSecurity