Millennium Space Systems Partners with Voyager for Next-Gen uSTAR-250 Star Trackers

Millennium Space Systems Partners with Voyager for Next-Gen uSTAR-250 Star Trackers
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 16, 2024

In a significant development for satellite technology, Voyager Space (Voyager), a pioneering force in global space exploration, has been selected by Millennium Space Systems (Millennium), a Boeing Company, to produce a series of advanced star trackers. This collaboration underscores a crucial step forward in enhancing the capabilities of Millennium's small satellite constellations, with phased deliveries of the cutting-edge technology scheduled from late 2024 through early 2025.

The contract encompasses the creation of 13 Flight Model Star Trackers (uSTAR-250) alongside two Engineering Models, marking a pivotal move to bolster the operational efficiency and navigational precision of Millennium's fleet. Voyager's uSTAR-250 Star Tracker is at the forefront of this technological leap, integrating Scientific CMOS technology to achieve remarkably low read noise levels. This feature is paramount for ensuring optimal accuracy in the harsh conditions of space, making uSTAR-250 a standout choice for mission-critical applications across Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), and cislunar trajectories.

Frank Morgan, Voyager Space's Chief Operating Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the uSTAR-250 Star Trackers' role in propelling satellite navigation and performance to new heights. "Our uSTAR-250 Star Trackers represent a significant leap in satellite navigation and performance in the ever-evolving world of space exploration. We look forward to providing Millennium with the tools to strengthen their constellations' precision, reliability, and adaptability," Morgan stated.

The uSTAR-250's design focuses on long-duration mission sustainability, with advanced radiation tolerance and the capability for real-time, on-orbit calibration. Its software and algorithms, proven in space flight, employ the Pyramid Code for stellar identification, offering real-time quaternion outputs. This capacity not only enhances navigational accuracy but also supports Space Domain Awareness by providing raw image data and configurable settings for various mission requirements.

Proudly American-sourced and manufactured in San Diego, California, the uSTAR-250 adheres to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2021 specifications for domestic sourcing. This compliance ensures the tracker's alignment with critical security and manufacturing standards, reinforcing the importance of domestic production in the space industry's strategic sectors.

In addition to the uSTAR-250, Voyager Space's portfolio encompasses an array of electro-optic subsystems, including SpaceCam 5MP and 9MP cameras, as well as Coarse and Medium Sun Sensors. This comprehensive range of technologies underscores Voyager's capacity to meet the diverse needs of today's space missions, from navigation and orientation to comprehensive environmental sensing.