Pacific Defense has announced the launch and initial on-orbit performance of its Moonraker payload on the Avalon Mission, representing an instance of open, reprogrammable, software-defined capabilities in space.
Launched on March 30, 2026, Avalon represents the first on-orbit demonstration of Moonraker, a configurable radio frequency (RF) payload designed for space situational awareness (SSA) and electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). The mission marks Pacific Defense’s first deployment of a space-based, reprogrammable RF payload developed for changing operational requirements.
Post launch, Moonraker reportedly completed payload commissioning, functional checkout, including first on-orbit collection of IQ, and noted over-the-air (OTA) software update adding new capabilities. The payload will now commence on-orbit operations to complete signal detection and classification.
“The Avalon Mission demonstrates how the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) accelerates fielding and enables adaptability of space solutions,” said Bryan Terlecky, Vice President of Space Systems at Pacific Defense. “Moonraker provides the Department of War a multi-mission, reconfigurable capability to outpace emerging threats.”
Moonraker was developed under a contract with the Air Force Research Lab/Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RJ) through a multi-year, cross-site effort, with system design, integration, and test in Nashua, New Hampshire, flight software development in Mukilteo, Washington, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, and final payload test and qualification in El Segundo, California. AFRL/RJ supported Moonraker’s development and commercialization, culminating in the Avalon Mission.
With Moonraker now in orbit, Pacific Defense continues development of additional capabilities for space-based applications.
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