Pandora is designed to observe planetary transits, during which a planet passes in front of its star and causes a temporary dimming of light. By analysing how starlight is absorbed and scattered during these events, scientists can determine atmospheric composition and assess whether planets with hydrogen- or water-rich atmospheres may be capable of supporting life.
“Pandora features the largest telescope payload ever integrated onto a Blue Canyon spacecraft,” said Chris Winslett, general manager of Blue Canyon Technologies. “Our Saturn-class platform, equipped with advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems, will provide the precision pointing and stability critical to the success of this important mission.”
The Pandora mission is part of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, led by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and managed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. In addition to supplying the satellite bus, Blue Canyon provided launch vehicle integration and post-launch commissioning, bringing its total number of launched spacecraft to 87.
