MOONLIGHTER
Changing the Game for Hack-A-Sat and Space Cybersecurity
WHAT
A 3U CubeSat concept with a “cyber payload” that is independently recoverable via an alternate communication path
WHY
To develop and train defensive cybersecurity
researchers on a controlled, operational system
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WHEN
Moonlighter launched on June 5, 2023 aboard SpaceX CRS-28
bound for the ISS
1 -Y
- Star Tracker: A camera that uses the stars to calculate a vehicle orientation
- Double Avionics Stack: A set of circuit boards that are the brains and heart of the vehicle including: the power routing board, attitude control board, and the command and data handling computer
- L1/L2 GPS Antenna: Receives GPS signals for position and time
- Radio Antenna: Sends telemetry and receives commands from ground operators
2 +Y
- Payload Radio: Sends telemetry and receives commands from ground operators over a higher speed link
- Star Tracker: A camera that uses the stars to calculate a vehicle orientation
3 -X
- Gyro: Measures the rate and acceleration of the vehicle’s rotation in multiple directions
4 +X
- Z-Axis Reaction Wheel: A wheel that adjusts the pointing of the vehicle along the z-axis when the wheel speed or direction changes
- Y-Axis Reaction Wheel: A wheel that adjusts the pointing of the vehicle along the y-axis when the wheel speed or direction changes
- Sun Sensor: Measures light received to aid in determining the direction of the sun
5 -Z
- Earth/Horizon Sensor: Small infrared sensor to determine the direction of the earth
- X-Axis Reaction Wheel: A wheel that adjusts the pointing of the vehicle along the x-axis when the wheel speed or direction changes
- Payload Antenna: Transmits and receives radio frequency energy for the commands and telemetry from ground operators
6 +Z
- Star Tracker: A camera that uses the stars to calculate a vehicle orientation