Blinky Rejoins Pinky, Inky, and Clyde in NASA's Starling CubeSat Swarm Configuration

Blinky Rejoins Pinky, Inky, and Clyde in NASA's Starling CubeSat Swarm Configuration
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 13, 2023

NASA's innovative Starling spacecraft, comprising four CubeSats named Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde, have successfully maneuvered into a swarm configuration, marking a significant milestone in the mission. The Starling team at NASA has devoted the past two months to resolving technical issues and commissioning these spacecraft, ensuring they are operationally ready for their groundbreaking swarm experiment operations.

The spacecraft, affectionately nicknamed after characters from the iconic arcade game Pac-Man, have demonstrated a high level of technical proficiency and coordination. Pinky, Inky, and Clyde have completed their propulsion system commissioning. This technical achievement allowed them to perform precise maneuvers to enter their designated swarm operations configuration, maintaining a strategic distance ranging from 50 to 200 kilometers apart. This spacing is critical for the swarm's functionality and effectiveness.

A notable aspect of this mission phase is the successful two-way communications established between the CubeSats using their crosslink radios. This achievement is particularly significant as it occurred while the spacecraft were in closer proximity, a scenario that poses unique communication challenges.

The Starling mission, however, did face a hiccup post-launch. Blinky encountered a propulsion system leak, which led to the spacecraft entering a marginally lower orbit than planned. This incident temporarily caused Blinky to drift significantly ahead of its companions. The Starling team responded adeptly, resolving the issue and implementing corrective maneuvers with the other three CubeSats. These efforts resulted in the successful reunion of the swarm, with Blinky now back in formation.

The ongoing testing and commissioning of the spacecraft are critical in understanding the challenges and potential of future spacecraft swarms. The Starling mission is not just about the current operation but also about paving the way for future advancements in space technology. The team continues to monitor and test Blinky's propulsion system, ensuring its stability and functionality within the swarm.

Looking ahead, the Starling mission is set to enter its next phase, focusing on the development and testing of key technologies integral to swarm operations. This phase is crucial as it will provide insights into how multiple small satellites can work in concert, a concept that could revolutionize satellite operations and space exploration. The successful execution of these swarm technologies will demonstrate the potential for more complex, coordinated missions in the future, leveraging the collective capabilities of small satellites.

The Starling CubeSats project represents a novel approach to space exploration, emphasizing the importance of small, coordinated spacecraft over individual large satellites. This mission underscores NASA's commitment to innovation and its role in advancing the frontiers of space technology.

The Starling mission, with its recent achievements and upcoming objectives, continues to be a focal point in the exploration of satellite swarm technologies. As the mission progresses, it promises to contribute significantly to our understanding of the capabilities and limitations of these novel space systems.