Orion Group Holdings Advances Space Exploration with DARPA’s Ouija Nanosatellite Program
- Orion Space Solutions completed a test readiness review for DARPA’s Ouija program, launching in summer 2025.
- The Ouija nanosatellite aims to enhance ionospheric understanding and HF propagation for military and commercial use.
- Orion continues to lead in small satellite innovation, focusing on practical applications in space physics.
Orion Space Solutions Advances Space Exploration with DARPA’s Ouija Program
Orion Space Solutions, a subsidiary of Arcfield, recently achieves a significant milestone by completing a test readiness review (TRR) for DARPA’s innovative Ouija program, which is set to launch in late summer 2025. This program marks a crucial step forward in space exploration and data collection, aiming to enhance our understanding of the ionosphere through the deployment of a specialized nanosatellite. The Ouija nanosatellite is engineered for long-duration missions in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) and is equipped with an array of advanced sensors designed to measure various atmospheric conditions.
The technology onboard the Ouija nanosatellite includes Langmuir Probes, RF Impedance Probes, HF Sounders, and several other instruments aimed at quantifying the high-frequency (HF) noise environment in space. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to collect unprecedented data from the F2 layer of the ionosphere and validate near real-time HF propagation predictions, which are vital for both military and commercial applications. Chad Fish, Orion’s president and general manager, emphasizes the team's expertise in reaching this critical milestone, stating that the successful completion of the TRR is a step closer to understanding ionospheric dynamics and enhancing HF propagation capabilities.
As the Orion-led team transitions into the final stages of launch preparations, collaboration with esteemed partners such as STR, Skeyeon, Utah State University, and Raytheon BCT plays a vital role in the project’s success. Kevin Kelly, Arcfield's chairman and CEO, underscores the importance of the Ouija program in reinforcing the nation's technological edge and advancing space research. Orion Space Solutions continues to establish itself as a leader in the small satellite industry, effectively translating complex scientific data into actionable insights that can address real-world challenges in space physics.
In related developments, Orion Space Solutions remains committed to innovating within the aerospace sector, focusing on harnessing space physics to solve practical problems. The upcoming environmental tests and calibration of the Ouija nanosatellite are crucial steps that will ensure its readiness for the demanding conditions of VLEO. As the launch date approaches, the company is poised to make significant contributions to both scientific knowledge and practical applications in the realm of space exploration. For more information, interested parties can visit Orion's website at orion.arcfield.com.
