PTD-0 (Tyvak-0129) Satellite

Demonstrating next-generation Tyvak 6U spacecraft and flying Pony Express hosted payload from Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin launched the Pony Express 1mission as a hosted payload on Tyvak-0129, a next-generation Tyvak 6U spacecraft. 

Pony Express 1, an example of rapid prototyping, was developed, built and integrated in nine months, and was funded completely by Lockheed Martin Research and Development funding. This orbital proving ground is validating payload hardware and software, and is packed with new technology that fits into a satellite the size of a shoebox.

Some of the key technologies being flight-tested include: 

• HiveStar™ software validates advanced adaptive mesh communications between satellites, shared processing capabilities and can take advantage of sensors aboard other smart satellites to customize missions in new ways previously difficult to achieve in space. 
• A software-defined radio that allows for high-bandwidth hosting of multiple RF applications, store-and-forward RF collection, data compression, digital signal processing and waveform transmission. 
• 3D-printed wideband antenna housing developed by Lockheed Martin's Advanced Research Technology Center. 

Pony Express 1 is a dual-use payload that enables mesh networks in space through HiveStar™ and a second function that tests space to ground remote sensing.

Inaugural flight of Tyvak's next-generation spacecraft systems, which performed beyond expectations.

Lockheed Martin launched the Pony Express 1 mission as a hosted payload on Tyvak-0129, a next-generation Tyvak 6U spacecraft. Early on-orbit data show Pony Express 1 is performing its important pathfinding mission very well.

• PLATFORM - Tyvak
• THRUSTER - Accion

• Commtrail
• Duchifat-3
• Hera-1
• Lemur-2 108 Pappy (FM109)
• Lemur-2 109 HiMomAndDad (FM110)
• Lemur-2 110 JpgSquared (FM111)
• Lemur-2 111 TheoDosia (FM112)
• PTD-0 (Tyvak-0129)