NASA's Athena EPIC: A New Era in Satellite Tech

NASA is preparing for the launch of the Athena Economical Payload Integration Cost (EPIC) mission, a test for an innovative satellite design. The Athena EPIC satellite, developed with industry partner NovaWurks, is built on a small satellite platform that shares resources among payloads, reducing costs and expediting launches.

The mission demonstrates a scalable space vehicle design, integrating NASA's sensor technology with NovaWurks' Hyper-Integrated Satlet (HISat) architecture. This approach allows for flexible payload configurations, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional, larger satellites.

Clayton Turner, Associate Administrator for Space Technology at NASA, emphasized the mission's role in advancing space technology through collaboration with federal agencies and industry partners. Athena EPIC is set to launch on July 22, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

The mission also involves collaboration with NOAA and the U.S. Space Force. The Athena sensor payload, developed at NASA's Langley Research Center, utilizes spare parts from the CERES mission, highlighting a resourceful approach to satellite technology.

Kory Priestley, principal investigator for Athena EPIC, described the mission as merging an instrument with a satellite platform, creating a SensorCraft. This integration simplifies payloads and enhances redundancy, marking a shift towards smaller, more economical satellite missions.