Turion Space and NanoAvionics to build a satellite for orbital reconnaissance mission

COLUMBIA, Ill., – Irvine, California-based Turion Space has selected NanoAvionics in Columbia, Illinois' small satellite bus, the MP42, as the basis for its ‘Droid-1’ spacecraft designed for a reconnaissance mission in low Earth orbit (LEO). The launch of the Droid-1 satellite is planned for the first quarter of 2023.

Using its onboard sensors, Turion Space’s satellite will be able to take extremely accurate measurements of spacecraft and objects in orbit. The data will give operators and users the exact location of their satellites and in relation to others, especially at crucial times when two spacecraft are critically close.

Future generations of Droid spacecraft are also aimed at removing orbital debris in LEO and tackling the complex logistics of in-orbit satellite servicing, providing orbit-modification and inspection.