Space tech startup True Anomaly is preparing to launch its first two satellites known as the Jackal spacecraft. These satellites are designed to operate and maneuver in close proximity to other objects in space, inspect them, and generate images. The launch will take place aboard SpaceX’s upcoming Transporter10 rideshare and aims to demonstrate the Jackal’s in-orbit functionalities. This comes not long after a successful round of fundraising in which the company secured $100 million.
Even Rogers, True Anomaly’s founder, and CEO elaborated on these operations, dubbed ‘rendezvous and proximity,’ stating that “The Jackals will capture high-resolution images and full-motion video of one another while maneuvering in close proximity.” Each of these Jackal spacecraft weighs around 300 kilograms and will be launched via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The company, based in Centennial, Colorado, caters its services primarily to the military market with the goal of supporting U.S Space Force activities. Its satellites could be utilized to train operators in maneuver tactics, test payloads in orbit, or practice proximity operations. To emphasize the potential of their spacecraft, Rogers referred to Jackal as “a new class of space vehicle purpose-built for national security space missions.”
True Anomaly is also attempting to penetrate the market for non-Earth imagery, a recently emergent portion of the industry. Following changes in the licensing process by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the company was granted a license in August to proceed with their inaugural Jackal mission in low Earth orbit. With the goal of deploying more satellites with similar capabilities, the company intends to submit new license applications to cover larger constellations, various missions, and orbits.
True Anomaly has been perceived as a promising investment given its potential to satisfy the increasing need for high-quality and timely data regarding the space environment. Rogers pointed out that there is a significant gap in space domain awareness, particularly in the ability to gather high-resolution data on resident space objects. He added, “Existing ground-based sensors used to monitor outer space do not provide a lot of intelligence-quality information.”
With these advancements, the company strives to help military and intelligence agencies gain more accurate and detailed information about potential threats in orbit. The Jackal spacecraft are fitted with five sensors, including three imaging payloads – radar, shortwave infrared, longwave infrared, visible wide field of view, and visible narrow field of view – which aid in capturing non-Earth imagery.
During their debut mission, one Jackal spacecraft will capture detailed images of the other, thereby demonstrating these non-Earth imaging capabilities. The company expects a growth in demand for space domain awareness as space becomes more congested and as rival nations develop systems to track and potentially target U.S. satellites.
In the long term, assuming everything goes as planned, True Anomaly intends to expand its operation by building a constellation to monitor the geostationary belt that lies 22,000 miles above Earth. This area is home to the military’s most valuable satellites.
Source: Space tech startup True Anomaly set to launch its first satellites.
