True Anomaly, a space technology startup, has successfully achieved a significant milestone with the deployment and communication establishment of its Jackal satellite. This accomplishment marks a strategic advancement in the company’s pursuit of strengthening its foothold in the defense and national security space sector.
The Jackal satellite, specifically designed for military purposes, is equipped to handle in-orbit maneuvering and object identification. Launched on December 21 as a part of SpaceX’s Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission, Jackal represented True Anomaly’s third venture into orbit. The company’s previous two satellites launched in March 2024, also aimed at demonstrating advanced rendezvous and proximity operations, faced setbacks when communication was lost post-launch.
On December 23, True Anomaly’s co-founder and CEO, Even Rogers, confirmed the success of the Jackal’s second mission, expressing excitement over successfully contacting and commanding the Autonomous Orbital Vehicle via their proprietary software platform, Mosaic. Rogers stated, “We have now successfully contacted, downlinked data, and commanded Jackal, our Autonomous Orbital Vehicle, via Mosaic, our software platform, as it makes laps around the Earth.”
This mission serves as a crucial testbed for True Anomaly, incorporating upgraded hardware and software based on insights gained from previous launches. The successful deployment bolsters True Anomaly’s efforts as the company gears up for more intricate assignments, including its participation in the U.S. Space Force’s Victus Haze mission slated for 2025. The mission is part of the Tactically Responsive Space program, which seeks to demonstrate progressive in-orbit rendezvous and proximity operations, with Jackal working in sync with a Rocket Lab spacecraft.
Chief Strategy Officer Frank DiPentino highlighted the ongoing refinement of Jackal’s abilities over the upcoming year, underscoring the company’s commitment to evolving its satellite technology. Manufacturing of these satellites is carried out in Centennial, Colorado, further establishing True Anomaly’s capability in advancing space technology.
The successful deployment and operation of the Jackal satellite signify True Anomaly’s growing influence in the military space technology domain. As the company prepares for future missions, it is poised to further contribute to national security and defense initiatives with its innovative satellite technologies.
Source: Spacenews
