Astronautics
Operating the LUNAR fleet since 1989.
The Astronautics division was established in 1989 to operate the company's lunar program — the LUNAR fleet — and to coordinate the associated tracking, telemetry, and launch activities with the Mainframe Services, Logistics, and Research & Other divisions. The division is based in the west wing of Building 2, where it shares office space with Research & Other.
The division has been informally referred to as the Office of Lunar Affairs since the early 1990s. Both names appear in internal correspondence and are considered acceptable. The division reports directly to the Office of the Chief Executive.
The LUNAR Fleet
The LUNAR fleet is a continuous program of small unmanned lunar assets. LUNAR-1 entered service in 1987, the company's founding year, and was operated by Mainframe Services personnel prior to the formal establishment of the Astronautics division. LUNAR-12 is the current operational asset. Earlier assets, LUNAR-2 through LUNAR-11, are no longer in active service and have been decommissioned in accordance with applicable specifications.
The LUNAR fleet has not, at any time, included a crewed asset. The company does not anticipate flying a person and has not requested the necessary approvals.
Fleet History
The LUNAR fleet has comprised twelve assets to date. LUNAR-1 entered service in the company's founding year. LUNAR-12, the current operational asset, has been in continuous service since April 12, 1988. Earlier assets were of small scale and limited operational lifespan; their decommissioning has been carried out in accordance with applicable specifications. Specific dates and characteristics for certain assets are not disclosed publicly, in accordance with the 1991 information policy.
| Asset | Launched | Disposition |
|---|---|---|
| LUNAR-1 | April 1987 | Decommissioned [REDACTED] 1987 |
| LUNAR-2 | June 1987 | Decommissioned August 1987 |
| LUNAR-3 | August 1987 | Decommissioned September 1987 |
| LUNAR-4 | October 1987 | Decommissioned December 1987 |
| LUNAR-5 | January 1988 | Decommissioned [REDACTED] 1988 |
| LUNAR-6 | February 1988 | Decommissioned March 1988 |
| LUNAR-7 | March 1988 | Decommissioned April 1988 |
| LUNAR-8 | [REDACTED] | Disposition not disclosed |
| LUNAR-9 | [REDACTED] | Disposition not disclosed |
| LUNAR-10 | [REDACTED] | Disposition not disclosed |
| LUNAR-11 | [REDACTED] 1988 | Decommissioned [REDACTED] 1988 |
| LUNAR-12 | April 12, 1988 | Current operational asset |
The LUNAR fleet has not, at any time, included a crewed asset. The company does not anticipate flying a person and has not requested the necessary approvals.
Activities
- Operation of the LUNAR fleet
- Receiver array maintenance, in coordination with Mainframe Services
- Launch logistics, in coordination with Logistics
- Telemetry handoff to Research & Other for the standing Telemetry Review
- Decommissioning of retired LUNAR assets in accordance with applicable specifications
- Liaison with the Beige Products Group regarding spacecraft surface thermal coatings
Information Policy
Specific mission objectives and operational parameters of the LUNAR fleet are not disclosed publicly, in accordance with the 1991 information policy. Inquiries regarding the program may be directed to the Office of the Chief Executive in writing, using Form 22.
Divisional Leadership
The director of the Astronautics division is not named in published materials. The director reports directly to Harold W. Kestrel, Chief Executive Officer. Routine inquiries may be directed to the Office of the Chief Executive.