TRACERS & Others

NASA's Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission, consisting of two identical satellites that will orbit Earth in tandem (one following the other), will help understand magnetic reconnection and its effects in Earth’s atmosphere. Magnetic reconnection occurs when activity from the Sun interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. By understanding this process, scientists will be able to better understand and prepare for impacts of solar activity on Earth.

Bard will flight-demonstrate the Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT), an advanced communications technology developed in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and NASA's SCaN (Space Communications and Navigation) Program. The terminal is designed to enable real-time interoperability between government and commercial satellite relay networks—a first-of-its-kind capability as NASA shifts toward a commercial satellite relay communications architecture.

NASA, the U.S. Space Force, NOAA, and NovaWurks have strategically aligned efforts to gain wisdom from Athena EPIC (Economical Payload Integration Cost) — a SmallSat that will demonstrate the ability of NovaWurks SensorCraft architecture to support future missions. Athena serves as a pilot opportunity for transformational activities by pathfinding an innovative space vehicle architecture, learning from commercial best practices, implementing a whole-of-government approach, and reducing schedule to launch as well as lifecycle costs. The instrument will be a simplified and lighter version of the CERES (Clouds and the Earth Radiant Energy System) instrument.

Realistic Electron Atmospheric Loss (REAL) is a scientific investigation mission designed to characterize the loss of particles from Earth’s Van Allen radiation belts. REAL will carry an energetic particle instrument that is sensitive to both electrons and protons. From its vantage point in low-Earth orbit, REAL will point its instrument along Earth’s magnetic field to measure radiation belt particles as they enter the atmosphere.

The Skykraft-4 constellation spacecraft are technology demonstrators and pathfinders for the roll-out of a space-based Air Traffic Management constellation. The spacecraft will demonstrate ADS-B and VHF capabilities from space.

LIDE is a 12U satellite developed by Tyvak and designed to serve as a testbed for direct access tests with ground terminals using a bidirectional K/Ka band RF transponder.