The SkyFire mission will deploy a new infrared technology to help NASA document the lunar surface

Lockheed, NASA Agree on Lunar Imaging Project

Aug. 10, 2016
Lockheed Martin was awarded a new NASA contract to launch a low-mass satellite with imaging capability on a lunar mission with Orion EM-1, in 2018. Lockheed will gain access for the satellite to the Orion Exploratory Mission; and NASA will receive data that SkyFire gathers during the mission.

Lockheed Martin (IW500/25) was awarded a new NASA contract to launch a 6U CubeSat satellite with imaging capability on a lunar mission with Orion EM-1, in 2018.  The satellite, called SkyFire, will be built by Lockheed and operate in public-private partnership: the contractor will gain access for the satellite to the Orion Exploratory Mission; and NASA will receive data that SkyFire gathers during the mission.

An infrared camera will take high-quality images from a lighter, simpler satellite unit, and the low-mass payload will mean a lower project cost and easier maneuverability in space.  

“The CubeSat will look for specific lunar characteristics like solar illumination areas,” stated James Russell, Lockheed Martin SkyFire principal investigator. “We’ll be able to see new things with sensors that are less costly to make and send to space.”

A Lockheed Martin development team working on the project involves “early-career engineers” working in partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder.

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About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)

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