Skycorp's ARMAS sensor to gather radiation data from Lunar South Pole

Skycorp's ARMAS sensor to gather radiation data from Lunar South Pole
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 19, 2024

SpaceBilt Inc. has announced that its ARMAS (Automated Radiation Measurement for Aerospace Safety) sensor will be included in Lonestar Data Holding's Freedom Payload during Intuitive Machines' upcoming mission to the Lunar South Pole. This mission represents a significant step toward gathering essential radiation data to ensure the safety of future missions in Cislunar space and on the lunar surface.

Skycorp, serving as the prime contractor for Lonestar's Freedom Payload, will also be a primary customer for this mission. The ARMAS sensor, carried under Lonestar's mission, will track radiation levels both in-flight and on the Moon's surface, providing critical insights that are expected to aid in long-term human exploration and settlement efforts.

"Skycorp's work with Lonestar on this mission is a major leap forward in creating a safer and more sustainable presence on the Moon," said Chris Stott, CEO of Lonestar Data Holding. "Lonestar's Freedom Payload will not only support SpaceBilt's critical research but will also demonstrate our ability to deliver robust data solutions in space, helping enable future lunar exploration."

The ARMAS sensor, developed by Space Environment Technologies, plays a vital role in measuring radiation levels astronauts and spacecraft will face during deep space missions, including those on the Moon. This data is crucial for reducing risks and ensuring the longevity of lunar missions as space agencies and private companies continue to expand human presence beyond Earth's orbit.

"We are thrilled to see ARMAS flying on this critical mission," said Dennis Wingo, CEO of Skycorp. "The radiation data we collect with the ARMAS sensor will be foundational for future lunar and deep space missions, ensuring that astronauts and hardware are better protected from the challenges of space radiation. Our partnership with Lonestar and Intuitive Machines underscores SpaceBilt's commitment to pioneering space technologies that enable humanity's return to the Moon and beyond."

Dr. W. Kent Tobiska, President of Space Environment Technologies, emphasized the significance of the mission, noting that, "These first-ever measurements of the continuous radiation environment for six distinct regions from the Earth's upper atmosphere, through the radiation belts, across deep space, in lunar orbit, during landing, and on the surface at the South Pole of the Moon will provide the baseline dataset for understanding human tissue and dose in avionics exposure hazards as we expand our exploration of space beyond Earth." The ARMAS program, developed over 15 years with NASA's support, is now a key real-time radiation monitoring system for aerospace applications, extending its reach from Earth's atmosphere to the Moon.

The upcoming Intuitive Machines mission, targeting the lunar South Pole, is expected to advance lunar exploration significantly due to the potential presence of water ice and other valuable resources in the region. The radiation data from ARMAS will be a crucial component in supporting the broader effort to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon.