RTX's Blue Canyon Technologies announces new, larger spacecraft

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX's (NYSE: RTX) subsidiary Blue Canyon Technologies has unveiled its new Saturn-400 spacecraft bus, featuring enhanced payload capacity of up to 600 kg and advanced control capabilities. The satellite introduces an optional built-in attitude control system with control moment gyroscope technology, offering improved agility and stability.

The Saturn-400 provides multiple reaction wheel options (RW4, RW8, and RW16) and supports higher power capabilities with scalable power subsystems up to two kilowatts. Blue Canyon Technologies has demonstrated significant experience with 83 small satellites and 2,700+ components launched across various orbital missions, including interplanetary journeys.

Positive

• New Saturn-400 spacecraft offers increased payload capacity up to 600 kg
• Advanced control moment gyroscope technology enhances agility and stability
• Modular software approach reduces program risk and improves efficiency
• Proven track record with 83 satellites and 2,700+ components launched

Negative

• None.

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New bus platform supports higher-impact missions with greater capability

LAFAYETTE, Colo., Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Canyon Technologies, small satellite manufacturer and mission services provider for RTX (NYSE: RTX), has unveiled its latest spacecraft bus, the Saturn-400. This new, larger satellite offers flexibility and reliability to help customers achieve their mission objectives more effectively.

The Saturn-400 spacecraft offers increased payload capacity, allowing for more instruments and larger sensors for complex missions—up to 600 kg—depending on the launch vehicle. It's also the company's first satellite to offer an optional built-in attitude control system, known as a control moment gyroscope, which enhances its agility and stability.

"Our advanced control moment gyroscope technology is a key differentiator for Blue Canyon, and is now available in a turnkey spacecraft," said Chris Winslett, general manager of Blue Canyon Technologies. "The Saturn-400 shares commonality with many BCT products, all of which leverage the same modular software. This approach enhances efficiency and lowers program risk, enabling customers to meet mission needs more quickly and affordably."

As an alternative to the integrated control moment gyroscope, the Saturn-400 offers three reaction wheel options: Blue Canyon's RW4, RW8, and the larger RW16. Reaction wheels use motor-driven flywheels for attitude control, while CMGs use a spinning rotor and motorized gimbals. Both options provide precise, low-jitter agility, allowing customers to optimize performance based on their mission needs and budget.

The Saturn-400 has rideshare capability while offering higher power and volume scaling through larger solar arrays and scalable power subsystems up to two kilowatts. 

Since the company's inception, Blue Canyon has launched 83 small satellites and more than 2,700 components in support of successful missions in dynamic environments and in multiple orbital classifications, including interplanetary journeys.

About Blue Canyon Technologies 
Blue Canyon Technologies, RTX's small satellite manufacturer and mission services provider, offers a diverse portfolio of innovative, reliable and affordable spacecraft and components that enable a broad range of missions and technological advancements for the new space economy. The company currently supports numerous unique missions with more than 160 spacecraft orders.

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-blue-canyon-technologies-announces-new-larger-spacecraft-302520343.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What are the key features of RTX's new Saturn-400 spacecraft?

The Saturn-400 features up to 600 kg payload capacity, optional control moment gyroscope technology, three reaction wheel options (RW4, RW8, RW16), and scalable power subsystems up to two kilowatts.

How many satellites has Blue Canyon Technologies launched?

Blue Canyon Technologies has launched 83 small satellites and more than 2,700 components across various missions, including interplanetary journeys.

What is the maximum power capacity of the RTX Saturn-400 satellite?

The Saturn-400 features scalable power subsystems that can support up to two kilowatts through larger solar arrays.

What attitude control options does the Saturn-400 spacecraft offer?

The Saturn-400 offers an optional built-in control moment gyroscope system and three reaction wheel options: RW4, RW8, and RW16, allowing customers to optimize performance based on mission needs.

How does the Saturn-400's modular software benefit customers?

The modular software approach enhances efficiency and lowers program risk, enabling customers to meet mission needs more quickly and affordably.