LUNA [UrtheCast]
The LUNA module (Lightweight Urthecast NanoRacks Alcove) was a planned small module for the ISS, which was to provides experimental space for NanoRacks and earth observation instruments for UrtheCast.
The module was to be accessible from a CBM berthing mechanism on the Node-3 module, allowing astronauts to set up electronics and service the system. The pressurized volume inside the module was to host experiments for NanoRacks.
The UrtheCast earth observation payload consisted of a dual-mode high resolution Camera (video and pushbroom focal planes) and a dual-band SAR (radar) payload (L-band and X-band), which are mounted on high-precision 3-axis gimbals.
Data is downlinked both by a sual antenna X-band downlink providing 1 Gbps (using LCP and RCP horn antennas) and by high speed Network access to NASA’s TDRSS and Russia’s Luch Ku-band systems.
LUNA was to be launched in late 2017 on a Dragon resupply capsule. It was to be installed on Node-3 on the aft port formerly used by the BEAM module.
Urthecast cancelled the LUNA effort in November 2015 to focus on their planned free-flying satellites.
Nation: | USA |
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Type / Application: | Earth observation, technology |
Operator: | UrtheCast, NanoRacks |
Contractors: | UrtheCast, NanoRacks |
Equipment: | |
Configuration: | |
Propulsion: | None |
Power: | provided by ISS |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | |
Orbit: | 400 km × 400 km, 51.6° (typical) |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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LUNA | - | cancelled | CC | Falcon-9 v1.2 | with Dragon CRS-x |
Further ISS missions: ISS complex
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