Darwin McDaniel
GalacticSky, a division of space technology company Vector, has integrated a software-based microsatellite designed to serve as an on-orbit testing platform for space-based applications.
Vector said Friday GSky-1 testbed integration occurred at University of Southern California’s Space Engineering Research Center and the satellite is scheduled for liftoff later this year to demonstrate GalacticSky’s ability to help developers send their space apps.
The first GSky-1 mission will host payloads for NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory, including a precision timing system, an IP-based communications instrument and a 3D-printed radiation shielding technology.
“The integrated Vector and SERC team successfully delivered GSky-1 on time and on budget within six months,†said Darren Garber, president of Vector’s government systems business.
Vector noted it will remotely control GSky-1 in space and a research team will monitor the satellite with the use of a ground antenna installed at the USC campus and from a SERC facility in Marina del Rey.
