Key Milestone on Moonraker MOSA Space Payload Program

The milestone involved a successful checkout and integration of the Moonraker payload, a 3U Open VPX multi-function, radio frequency (RF) payload consisting of a five-slot chassis and application software capable of performing a range of RF missions By Joseph Macey / 15 Apr 2024

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Key Milestone on Moonraker MOSA Space Payload
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Pacific Defense has achieved a key milestone on the US Space Force (USSF) Moonraker MOSA space payload contract.

The program milestone involved a successful checkout and integration of the Moonraker payload.

The Moonraker Space Sensor is a 3U Open VPX multi-function, radio frequency (RF) payload consisting of a five-slot chassis populated with a Software Defined Radio (SDR), dual Graphics Processing Units (GPU), dual Power Supply plug-in-cards (PICs) and application software capable of performing a range of RF missions including space situational awareness.

All system components are designed to meet requirements for space flight, with the SDR provided by Tomorrow.io and the Chassis and GPU PICs provided by Neutralino Space Ventures.

Bryan Terlecky, Vice President of Space Systems at Pacific Defense, said; “Moonraker represents a fresh approach to space payload design, enabling rapid integration and deployment of critical space mission capability in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional proprietary approaches.

“Completion of hardware integration in days rather than weeks is unheard-of in traditional space programs and clears the way for the Pacific Defense team to begin software integration and move forward toward space flight demonstrations.”

Posted by Joseph Macey Joseph Macey is a Content Specialist at Defense Advancement, where he has focused on emerging defense technologies since joining in 2022. His expertise spans tactical UAS, rugged computing, and Satellite Communication Systems. After graduating in Journalism from Falmouth University, Joseph began his career in 2019 as a local reporter. His journalism background enhances both his reporting and interview skills, enabling him to provide insightful, authoritative analysis of the latest trends shaping the defense industry. Connect
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