News
Camarillo, CA and Rockledge, FL (October 26, 2022) – Saalex Corporation’s ELVIS 3 launch team is providing launch technical integration support for the upcoming JPSS-2/LOFTID mission, in which two satellites will be taken to space on one rocket. The launch is currently scheduled for November 9 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The main satellite on board, JPSS-2, is the third satellite in NOAA and NASA’s Joint Polar System series, and will be one of five such spacecraft designed to collect data and improve weather predictions, allowing scientists to better anticipate severe weather occurrences and climate change.
When JPSS-2 is sent into orbit 512 miles above Earth’s surface, it will study our planet’s land, atmosphere, and seas in great detail. In order to cover the entire planet, the satellite will make 14 orbits per day, traveling from the North Pole to the South Pole and back again. Floods, hurricanes, storms and wildfires are all severe weather events that may be prevented with early and specific warnings from JPSS-2.
The secondary payload is the LOFTID, or the Inflatable Decelerator spacecraft. It is designed to test heat shields for atmospheric re-entry. It is to be a demonstration test of technology that might be used to land large payloads on the surface of Mars, such as those needed for crewed missions. The LOFTID spacecraft will come back to earth just two hours after launch.
“This is a complex launch, having two spacecraft together on one rocket, but our launch team has performed flawlessly in supporting NASA,” said Robert Bezduch, President of Saalex. “This type of a rideshare arrangement enables NASA and the United Launch Alliance to optimize their operations, and save on resources. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, and we are proud to support such an innovative mission.”
About Saalex Corporation
Saalex Corp. is a federal services contractor providing core competencies in the areas of test range operations and management, engineering and logistics services, cybersecurity, and IT services. Founded in 1999 by Travis Mack, Saalex Corp is a service-disabled veteran-owned business headquartered in Camarillo, CA. Learn more at www.saalex.com.
Contact:
Neal Stein
Technology PR Solutions
nealjstein@techprsolutions.com
(321) 473-7407
