Aegis Aerospace successfully launched its 10th MISSE mission, MISSE-18, onboard Northrup Grumman’s NG-19 ISS resupply mission on Aug. 1, 2023. MISSE-18 includes 13 unique experiments carried on four MISSE Science Carriers (MSC) and, for the first time, a MISSE Pallet Carrier (MPC).
MISSE-18’s experiments include a Blue Origin experiment that tests materials for the future Orbital Reef space station; the HSC Spiral Wrapped Antenna Technology (HSC SWATH), by Opterus Research & Development, sponsored by the ISS National Lab; and the Air Force Research Lab’s (AFRL) Space Power InfraRed Regulation and Analysis of Lifetime (SPIRRAL) experiment, sponsored and flown by the DoD Space Test Program (STP), which will explore solutions to the thermal challenges of space solar power. The MPC, which is an extended version of the standard MSC capable of supporting larger experiments, carries a novel Earth-viewing sensor suite from Control Vision, Inc of Tucson, AZ.
“We are in an exciting time in our industry, where we are able to provide commercial services on the International Space Station, and even on the moon, to customers ranging from small businesses to the DoD, NASA, and National Lab sponsored research,” shared VP of Commercial Space Services, Mark Shumbera. “Adding to the exciting services we offer, the MISSE-18 includes our first MISSE Pallet Carrier, which accommodates the largest MISSE payloads and experiments ever – up to 17-inches x 9-inches and 10-inches tall, and up to 50 pounds.”
Each MISSE mission is exposed to the space environment for approximately six-months before returning to Earth. The upcoming MISSE-19 mission is scheduled for launch in March 2024 and still has some capacity available.
Northrop Grumman’s Cignus spacecraft delivering over 8,200 pounds of cargo to the ISS, including Aegis aerospace’s MISSE-18 science carriers. Credit: NASA
