ATLAS Space chosen for key support role in Blue Origin's DarkSky-1 mission

ATLAS Space chosen for key support role in Blue Origin's DarkSky-1 mission
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 02, 2024

ATLAS Space Operations, renowned for its extensive federated ground network in the U.S., has been selected by Blue Origin to provide ground segment support for the upcoming Blue Ring mission, DarkSky-1. This mission is part of a broader initiative involving hosting, transportation, refueling, data relay, and logistics across various orbital domains, including medium earth orbits, geostationary orbits, and beyond.

The partnership was cemented following the joint announcement by Blue Origin and the Defense Innovation Unit in October 2023 about DarkSky-1, a mission designed to validate crucial flight systems. These systems include space-based processing capabilities, telemetry, tracking, and command hardware, along with ground-based radiometric tracking to support its operations.

ATLAS will utilize its seven-meter antennas strategically located worldwide to meet the stringent radio frequency requirements of this mission and potential future missions within the Blue Ring framework.

Paige Cooley, ATLAS Director of Commercial Solutions, emphasized the company's dedication to mission success, stating, "There is no margin for error when supporting a mission such as DarkSky-1. In addition to meeting link budget requirements and offering broad geographic coverage, we emphasize extensive mission assurance measures in our solution through ATLAS-in-a-box testing during the integration process. We're honored that Blue Origin has entrusted us with such a vital role in the success of this endeavor."

ATLAS-in-a-box (AIB) testing, a critical component of ATLAS' integration process, ensures RF communication compatibility between the spacecraft and the ground stations well ahead of launch.

Paul Ebertz, Senior Vice President of Blue Origin's In-Space Systems, highlighted the collaborative effort, "Blue Ring's collaboration with ATLAS' hybrid space architecture will demonstrate enhanced space mobility and operations for commercial, civil, and national security customers. Together, these advanced systems represent a leap forward in ensuring reliable, adaptable, and efficient access to space for a broad range of missions."

John Williams, CEO of ATLAS, shared his excitement about the collaboration, "Blue Origin is a great company whose ambitions for space are truly matched by their ingenuity and expertise. Adding value to missions like Blue Ring is why ATLAS was founded. It's exciting to contribute to initiatives that will someday be remembered as having altered the course of humanity."