Orion Space Solutions Achieves Milestone in Tetra-5 Program with Successful Critical Design Review

Orion Space Solutions Achieves Milestone in Tetra-5 Program with Successful Critical Design Review
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 03, 2024

Orion Space Solutions (Orion) has recently achieved a significant milestone in its collaboration with the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The company, along with its team, has successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Tetra-5 program, a pivotal step in advancing U.S. space capabilities.

The Tetra-5 mission, under the direction of the SSC and AFRL, is a cutting-edge initiative aimed at demonstrating advanced multi-agent autonomous Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD) capabilities. This program is particularly focused on the implementation of on-orbit refueling, a key capability for future space operations.

William Armijo, Orion's Vice President of Space Systems, expressed his enthusiasm about the milestone. "Having completed a successful CDR, Orion Space Solutions and our extended team look forward to our ongoing close teamwork with the government to begin production work on the Tetra-5 vehicles and sensors," said Armijo. This statement underlines the collaborative nature of the project and the commitment to advancing the project to the next phase.

The Tetra-5 mission is set to deploy a constellation of three prototype spacecraft, designed to operate for at least two years in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO). These spacecraft will not only showcase key docking capabilities essential for on-orbit refueling but will also demonstrate next-generation autonomous collaboration techniques. These techniques are vital for inspection tasks and serve as a precursor for on-orbit servicing and anomaly resolution, areas of growing interest and importance in the space industry.

The completion of the CDR in a remarkably accelerated timeframe of just 13 months since the award announcement highlights the efficiency and dedication of the Orion team and its partners. This rapid progress is indicative of the high priority placed on space capabilities by the U.S. government and the agility of private companies like Orion in responding to these needs.

Orion's role in the Tetra-5 mission is further bolstered by the participation of a range of subcontractors, including Hera Systems, Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton, SCOUT Space Inc., Sedaro, Utah State University, and ICR, Inc. The involvement of these diverse entities underscores the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of modern space missions. Each brings unique skills and expertise, contributing to the overall success and innovation of the Tetra-5 mission.

This CDR marks a notable achievement for Orion Space Solutions as the company continues to expand its portfolio of space-based solutions. The successful completion of this phase is a testament to Orion's capabilities in the aerospace sector and its role in enhancing the technological prowess of the U.S. military's space operations.