Lonestar tactical space support payloads completed by Dynetics
NewsJuly 15, 2020
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. Dynetics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, completed checkout and testing of two tactical space support payloads for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command's (USASMDC) Lonestar program.
Through the Design, Development, Demonstration, and Integration (D3I), Domain 1 task order, Dynetics will develop, test, integrate, and demonstrate two tactical space support vehicles (TSSV) that will be used to enhance all phases of joint force operations.
According to the company, Dynetics completed the payload design in four months. The payload hardware and flight software were then completed, integrated, and verified within 18 months. This took place at Dynetics' small satellite development labs, where hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulations were conducted to exercise the system following a "Test Like You Fly" approach.
Meanwhile, the Lonestar team also developed software to perform a series of tests that ensure functional operation of the payload flight hardware. Dynetics completed HWIL testing and simulation at the command's Payload Development Laboratory (PDL) facility located at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. This aimed to optimize TSSV performance and reliability.