Pacific Defense, one of the leading providers of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) products and solutions, announced it has signed a $9.4M Phase II contract with the Space Control Technology Branch of AFRL to complete the development of a low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) sensor built on MOSA principles to address the rapidly expanding challenge of space situational awareness (SSA) in the cislunar regime.
The “Moonraker” system builds upon Pacific Defense’s expertise in MOSA system development, leveraging 3U software-defined radio (SDR) and graphics processing unit (GPU) technology and an open software framework comprised of company and industry-provided SSA applications. The Phase II effort will advance the work started in Phase I with the goal of producing flight-ready sensors.
“Moonraker presents a fresh approach to space payload design and support for this critical mission,” said Bryan Terlecky, Vice President of Space Systems at Pacific Defense. “Pacific Defense will demonstrate how an open architecture approach accelerates development - from concept to a flight deliverable sensor within 24 months.”
“The AFRL Space Control team is excited to work with Pacific Defense to research, develop, and demonstrate these innovative and cost-effective sensing capabilities for cislunar space,” said Brian Engberg, Chief, Space Control Technology Branch. “This capability will help us achieve a multi-layered ability that ensures cislunar space remains a safe and transparent operational environment.”
The Phase II contract has a 39-month period of performance culminating in the delivery of a qualified sensor for on-orbit demonstration.
Click here to learn more about Pacific Defense Space Systems.
