On December 21, True Anomaly began its second mission, Mission X-2, launching its Jackal Autonomous Orbital Vehicle (AOV) into orbit aboard the Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission with SpaceX. Just nine months since our first mission, our team of engineers, designers, and production technicians assembled our second-iteration Jackal spacecraft, at a fraction of the price of legacy systems, while incorporating product improvements and learnings from our first launch in March 2024.

Mission X is the launch and operational demonstration of Jackal, True Anomaly’s first spacecraft purpose-built for the space superiority market. True Anomaly executes continuous product upgrades through orbital flight tests to ensure that Jackal maintains its operational edge. Mission X-2 flight is focused on characterizing and expanding Jackal’s maneuverability, object characterization, and tracking performance envelope – capabilities that set Jackal apart from both exquisite and commodity spacecraft.  

During our prep and execution of MX-2 to date, we have achieved the following:

1. Rapid upgrade, manufacturing, and test of our third Jackal spacecraft in 9 months since our last flight. Upgrades included improvements to the electrical power subsystem, test infrastructure, enhanced fault detection, expanded end-to-end testing with added modems and sites, and an upgraded Mosaic for improved scheduling, orbit determination, and data fusion

2. Successful completion of qualification, functional testing, fueling, and mating to the SpaceX Rideshare plate within 48 hours of arrival to Vandenberg Space Force Base

3. Successful deployment from the launch vehicle

4. Automated attitude stabilization

5. Automated sun seeking and deployment of solar array and onboard battery charging  

6. Successful contact, data transfer, and command between True Anomaly Flight Command and Jackal, via our Mosaic software platform

7. Successful integration of and automated data transfer from multiple ground station providers

8. Start of our Test and Check Out (TACO) procedures

Over the next month, we will continue to conduct on-orbit functional testing with Mosaic, our autonomy and mission command and control software platform. This testing will include, among other things, powering up and operating onboard cameras and thrusters, and maneuvering within Low Earth Orbit.  

Over the next year, True Anomaly will continue the rapid development, testing, and launch of several additional Jackal AOVs, powered by Mosaic, including True Anomaly’s upcoming participation in VICTUS HAZE, set to launch in 2025. The accomplishments of Mission X-2 represent a step-change in product maturity for Jackal and Mosaic, and the mission is a key part of our journey to supplying the U.S. Department of Defense and the United States Space Force with new strategic capabilities.

If you are interested in joining our mission, check out our open roles across Colorado, Washington DC, and Los Angeles, CA.

ABOUT TRUE ANOMALY

True Anomaly is building the future of space security and resilience at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and autonomy. Our vision is to enable a secure, stable, and sustainable space environment for the US, Allies, and Partners by designing, building, selling, and fielding the solutions required to achieve space superiority.

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Centennial, CO, with teams located in Washinton D.C. and Long Beach, CA, True Anomaly is shaping the future of space security. For more information, please visit www.trueanomaly.space or connect with us on LinkedIn.

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