 The LunIR CubeSat, which will characterize and collect lunar surface data. | |
| Names | SkyFire |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Technology demonstrator, reconnaissance |
| Operator | Lockheed Martin Space |
| COSPAR ID | 2022-156K |
| SATCATno. | 57686 |
| Mission duration | 3 years and 9 days (in progress) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | CubeSat |
| Spacecraft type | 6U CubeSat |
| Bus | Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin Space |
| Launch mass | 14 kg (31 lb) |
| Dimensions | 10 cm × 20 cm × 30 cm |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 16 November 2022, 06:47:44 UTC[1] |
| Rocket | SLS Block 1 |
| Launch site | KSC,LC-39B |
| Contractor | NASA |
| Flyby ofMoon | |
LunIR (Lunar InfraRed Imaging, formerly known asSkyFire) is ananosatellite spacecraft launched to theMoon collecting surfacespectroscopy andthermography. It was launched as a secondary payload on theArtemis 1 mission on 16 November 2022.[1][2]
LunIR is a technology demonstration mission funded by NASA that uses a low-cost 6UCubeSat spacecraft. LunIR will perform a lunar flyby, collecting spectroscopy and thermography for surface characterization,remote sensing, and site selection.[3] The spacecraft includes two deployablesolar panels and will have a total mass of about 14 kg (31 lb).
LunIR was selected in April 2015 by NASA's NextSTEP program (Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships) and awarded a contract toLockheed Martin Space worth US$1.4 million for further development.[4][5][6]
LunIR will communicate with Earth via ground stations operated byKongsberg Satellite Services. LunIR will use 13-meter-diameter radio antennas located inPunta Arenas, Chile;Svalbard, Norway; andTroll station, Antarctica.[7][8]
LunIR was launched as one of tenCubeSats as a secondary payload on the maiden flight of theSpace Launch System,Artemis 1.[2]
LunIR will demonstrate a low thrust electric propulsion technology calledelectrospray propulsion to lower the spacecraft's orbit for additional science and technology mission objectives.[9]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.2022 in space | ||
|---|---|---|
Space probe launches |
|   |
| Impact events | ||
| SelectedNEOs | ||
| Discoveries | ||
| Comets | ||
| Space exploration | ||
