Two 1U nanosatellites for the PropCube Program, named Flora and Merryweather, developed by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc., a Terran Orbital corporation, have successfully spent three years in Low Earth Orbit, exceeding the original design lifetime by three times.
Nanosatellites Flora and Merryweather have been transmitting critical calibration beacons to improve communications systems. These signals were sent to Earth-based receiver sites, including Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico and HAARP, Alaska to collect data. This mission was also used to test the Naval Postgraduate School’s Mobile CubeSat Command & Control (MC3) ground station network.
Originally developed in 2012, Tyvak’s Intrepid 1U platform has been an industry benchmark and is considered the main turning point in the commercialization of CubeSats. Following on its success, Tyvak’s Endeavor and Excelsior platforms accommodate missions requiring satellites from 6 kg to 240 kg, attesting to Tyvak’s commitment to improving small satellite capabilities and operational relevance.
“We are thrilled to see our first-generation avionics continued operation and look forward to our Excelsior Platform commencing orbit operations later this year,” said Anthony Previte, CEO of Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc. “Addressing our clients’ end-to-end needs while providing the highest levels of mission assurance.”
Tyvak is pleased to have been a part of this mission in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School.
