# Pandora

> NASA small satellite space telescope

**Wikidata**: [Q109767308](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109767308)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandora_(spacecraft))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pandora

## Summary
Pandora is a NASA small satellite space telescope designed to observe distant space objects, specifically exoplanets. As part of NASA's Pioneers Program, the mission utilizes a small-scale, focused approach to astrophysics. The spacecraft is a collaboration involving NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the University of Arizona.

## Key Facts
- **Type:** Space telescope
- **Program:** NASA Pioneers Program
- **Scheduled Launch Date:** January 11, 2026
- **Primary Instrument:** 0.44-meter Cassegrain reflecting telescope
- **Operator:** University of Arizona
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Prime Contractor:** Blue Canyon Technologies
- **Funder:** Science Mission Directorate
- **Country of Origin:** United States

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Pandora mission's main goal?
A: The Pandora mission's main goal is to explore exoplanets, which are planets orbiting stars other than our Sun. It is part of NASA's Pioneers Program, which supports small, focused astrophysics missions.

### Q: Who is building the Pandora satellite?
A: The Pandora satellite is a collaborative effort. Blue Canyon Technologies is the prime contractor, responsible for the spacecraft bus and final assembly. Key components are provided by Goddard Space Flight Center (infrared sensor), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (subsystem), and Corning Specialty Materials (telescope).

### Q: When and where will Pandora launch?
A: Pandora is scheduled to launch on January 11, 2026, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. It will be carried into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.

## Why It Matters
Pandora represents a strategic shift in space-based astronomy toward smaller, more agile, and cost-effective missions. As part of NASA's Pioneers Program, it demonstrates a model that can deliver high-impact science without the scale and budget of large, flagship observatories like the Hubble or James Webb Space Telescopes. This approach allows for more frequent launch opportunities and the ability to target specific, unanswered scientific questions with dedicated instruments.

By focusing on exoplanets, Pandora will contribute vital data to one of the most dynamic fields in modern astronomy. The mission's observations will help scientists study the variety of planets that exist beyond our solar system. Its success will further validate the effectiveness of the small satellite platform for complex astrophysics research, paving the way for future fleets of specialized space telescopes that can work in concert or independently to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.

## Notable For
- **Pioneers Program Mission:** Pandora was selected as part of NASA's Pioneers Program, which specifically funds small-scale astrophysics missions to explore cosmic phenomena.
- **Multi-Institutional Collaboration:** The project involves a partnership between NASA centers (Goddard Space Flight Center), a national laboratory (Lawrence Livermore), a university (University of Arizona), and commercial aerospace companies (Blue Canyon Technologies, Corning).
- **Small Satellite Form Factor:** The mission is built on a small satellite bus (Saturn-200), showcasing the capability of compact platforms to conduct significant scientific investigations in deep space.
- **Focused Exoplanet Science:** Unlike general-purpose observatories, Pandora is a specialized instrument designed primarily for the observation and study of exoplanets and their host stars.

## Body
### Mission and Operations
Pandora is a space telescope mission funded by NASA's Science Mission Directorate and operated by the University of Arizona. It is part of the Pioneers Program, which enables small, principal investigator-led astrophysics studies. The mission's scientific leadership includes Principal Investigator Elisa Quintana and Deputy Principal Investigator Jessie Dotson.

Key project milestones include:
- **Project Selection:** 2021
- **Critical Design Review:** October 2023
- **Scheduled Launch:** January 11, 2026

### Spacecraft and Instruments
The Pandora spacecraft is built on a Saturn-200 bus manufactured by Blue Canyon Technologies. It is powered by a single spacecraft solar array.

- **Primary Instrument:** The satellite carries a 0.44-meter Cassegrain reflecting telescope. The telescope's optics were manufactured by Corning Specialty Materials.
- **Sensors:** The infrared sensor was developed by Goddard Space Flight Center.
- **Other Subsystems:** Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory contributed a key subsystem for the mission.

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Date:** January 11, 2026, at 13:44:50 (planned)
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Launch Vehicle:** SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5, booster B1097
- **Orbit:** The satellite is designed to operate in a Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **Identifiers (unconfirmed):**
    - **COSPAR ID:** 2026-004L
    - **SCN:** 67373

## References

1. [Source](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/pandora/)
2. The Pandora SmallSat: A Low-Cost, High Impact Mission to Study Exoplanets and Their Host Stars
3. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/smallsatellites/2026/01/12/nasas-pandora-satellite-acquires-signal/)
4. [Source](https://smallsat.wff.nasa.gov/missions/pandora.php)
5. [Source](https://science.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/nasas-pandora-satellite-cubesats-to-explore-exoplanets-beyond/)
6. [Source](http://orbitalfocus.uk/Diaries/Launches/Launches.php?year=2026#004)
7. Jonathan's Space Report
8. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/pandora.htm)
9. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/smallsatellites/2026/01/11/nasas-exoplanet-observing-satellite-separated-from-rocket/)
10. [Source](https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2026/01/14/rtx-provides-blue-canyon-satellite-for-interstellar-mission)
11. [Source](https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/satellites/6916-opening-pandoras-box-rtx-delivers-blue-canyon-satellite-to-nasa)
12. [Source](https://pandorasat.com/people/)