ASTRA Follow-On Contract Award Announced by Sidus Space
Additional Mission Objectives Set the Stage for Advanced Satellite Performance Optimization
A follow on contract from NASA Stennis for additional ASTRA (Autonomous Satellite Technology for Resilient Applications) support aboard LizzieSat-1 has been awarded to Sidus Space.
"We anticipate the execution of the additional requirements to be mutually beneficial by optimizing satellite performance and ensuring operational continuity under varied and even adverse conditions."
Carol Craig, Sidus Space
A key component of the additional objectives is collecting onboard data for critical systems. This capability enables ASTRA’s Primary Operations Control Center (POCC) to manage the Electrical Power System (EPS) through Sidus’ Mission Control Center (MCC). As a result, the satellite’s battery voltage can be continuously monitored and optimized, ensuring that the payload operates normally even in less-than-ideal solar conditions. The ability to dynamically manage power by activating or deactivating specific equipment based on battery charge levels and mission needs represents a crucial advancement in operational flexibility and efficiency.
"With the successful completion of ASTRA’s primary mission objective in early July, we now look forward to the opportunity to provide further support for this historical NASA Stennis mission," said Carol Craig, CEO of Sidus Space. "We anticipate the execution of the additional requirements to be mutually beneficial by optimizing satellite performance and ensuring operational continuity under varied and even adverse conditions. This contract with NASA exemplifies our dedication to advancing space technology through innovation and rigorous execution.”
ASTRA is the on-orbit payload mission developed by NASA Stennis and is an autonomous systems hardware/software payload. The NASA Stennis ASTRA technology demonstrator is a payload rider aboard the Sidus Space premier satellite, LizzieSat-1 (LS-1) small satellite. Partner Sidus Space is responsible for all LS-1 mission operations, including launch and satellite activation, which allowed the NASA Stennis ASTRA team to complete its primary mission objectives.