Lockheed Martin announced on Wednesday that its first LM-400 multi-mission space vehicle has completed electromagnetic interference and compatibility trials.
The milestone is crucial to ensuring that signals from the satellite bus will not interfere with other payloads during an operation.
Vice President Malik Musawwir said the trials also confirmed the satellite’s design integrity and operational capabilities.
“This is a significant accomplishment for this new satellite and the space vehicles that will leverage this platform from our advanced digital LM-400 production line,” he said.
Features and Functions
Lockheed’s LM-400 spacecraft is designed to enable one space platform to simultaneously perform a variety of missions, including remote sensing, communications, and imaging.
The platform will offer the military improved surveillance capabilities.
The satellite bus can also host various payloads, such as a Lockheed Martin narrowband communications electronically steered array (ESA) payload in low, medium, and geosynchronous earth orbits.
It has a modular open systems architecture for joint all-domain operations and joint all-domain command and control.
“The LM-400’s digital design allows for multiple versions to be seamlessly produced – including a flat satellite that will support rapid launching of up to six stackable space vehicles at a time,” Musawwir explained.
“These types of 21st Century Security agile deterrence capabilities will provide our customers with maximum flexibility for their missions.”
Next Steps
Before its scheduled launch later this year, the first LM-400 will undergo rigorous thermal vacuum testing, including the simulation of space temperature and altitude.
The aerospace giant is also developing an LM-400 demonstrator to be launched next year.
The spacecraft will reportedly test synthetic aperture radar-capable ESA in orbit using the LM-400 platform.