Sidus Space Inc (NASDAQ:SIDU) announced in partnership with NASA Stennis Space Center that the primary objectives of the NASA Autonomous Satellite Technology for Resilient Applications (ASTRA) payload mission were met on July 1, 2024.
The ASTRA mission involves an autonomous systems hardware/software payload developed at the NASA Stennis Autonomous Systems Laboratory (ASL) as a technology demonstrator in space aboard the Sidus’ LizzieSat satellite, the company said.
Sidus is responsible for all LizzieSat Mission Operations, including launch and satellite activation, which allowed the NASA Stennis ASTRA team to complete its primary mission objectives.
Working with the ALS team, Sidus said it carried out extensive integration and communications testing of the flight unit, highlighting that it marked a “significant step forward” in the development of autonomous systems for aerospace applications.
Following the completion of the ASTRA payload activation and ASTRA software remote update by the Sidus Mission Control team, the focus will shift to on-board data collection, demonstration of ASTRA application on-orbit capabilities, and demonstration of ASTRA automated flight following software.
"Achieving ASTRA’s primary mission objectives underscores our dedication and commitment to driving innovation while advancing space technology alongside NASA, our trusted partner," Sidus Space CEO Carol Craig said in a statement.
"We are proud to support such groundbreaking projects in our industry and eagerly anticipate the continued progress of our LizzieSat-1 mission."
NASA Stennis Center director John Bailey highlighted that the success of this first-ever in-space mission of the NASA Stennis ASTRA payload was a historic milestone for the center and the autonomous systems team.
“I look forward to our continued development of autonomous systems that can support both government and industry,” Bailey said.
Sidus shares moved higher on the news, adding almost 3% at US$2.30 in early trade on Tuesday.