NASA To Deploy SkyFire Nanosatellite To The Moon In 2018

The small yet incredible Lockheed Martin's SkyFire nanosatellite will be launched in space with Orion's Exploration Mission-1 to the moon in 2018. The SkyFire is developed to fly to the moon to gather data on the lunar surface using infrared technology.

James Russel, the principal investigator said that SkyFire, which will be built at Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Jefferson County, is about 14 inches long. Its infrared camera is about one-third of the small satellite's volume, which is about the size of two loaves of bread. He added that you could put it in your hands and carry it around, as noted by Denver Post.

Small-but-mighty SkyFire moon nanosatellite cleared to ride with Orion into space https://t.co/rfWu26wtRP pic.twitter.com/9O5w0sgcAQ

— RidingWithRobots (@ridingrobots) August 8, 2016

Despite its minute size, it has an incredible purpose. SkyFire's aim is that of Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) technology. It will perform a lunar flyby and collect spectroscopy and thermography for surface characterization, site selection, and remote sensing. It involves two deployable solar arrays. It was developed by Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver. The company has finalized the contract with NASA worth $1.4 million for further development.

Lauren Duda, a Lockheed Martin Space Systems spokeswoman said that Lock Heed is proud to support NASA in its quest to advance space exploration technology through the NextSTEP program. She further said that they are working with NASA to determine which SkyFire technologies can best fulfill NASA's strategic knowledge gaps, as satisfying these knowledge needs will have major implications for future deep space exploration.

Meanwhile, Russel stated that if SkyFire is a success, it could spark more missions using nanosatellites equipped with infrared cameras. This leads to future exploration and discoveries. He cited examples as scientists could examine the makeup of asteroids or planets to better understand how the universe formed. Besides these, explorers could look for resources such as ice water to drill while travelling through space.