TacSat-1
 TacSat-1 | |
| Mission type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | NRL |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 108 kilograms (238 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | Never launched |
| Rocket | Falcon 1 |
| Launch site | Omelek Island |
| Contractor | SpaceX |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Apogee | 410 kilometers (250 mi) |
| Inclination | 40& degrees |
| Epoch | Planned |
TacSat-1 is an experimental satellite built by the Naval Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Force Transformation (OFT). The second satellite in the series, TacSat-2, has already been launched. It is the planned payload of the sixth launch of the SpaceX Falcon 1.[1]
TacSat-1 will carry a variety of experimental payloads.[2] Much of the payload software is implemented through the use of bash scripts operating on the "Copperfield-2" general-purpose computer system aboard the spacecraft.[3]
Purpose
The TacSat series of experimental spacecraft are designed to allow military commanders on a battlefield to request and obtain imagery and other data from a satellite as it passes overhead. Collected data will be delivered to field commanders in minutes rather than hours or days. The sensor on TacSat-1 can collect color images sharp enough to distinguish ground objects as small as 1 meter in diameter.[4]
Launch
TacSat-1 was initially planned for launch in January 2004, but delays in Falcon 1 becoming operational precluded this date. It was initially scheduled to fly on the maiden flight of the Falcon 1, but technical problems led to another Falcon 1, with FalconSat-2, launching first. Following the failure of this launch, it was moved to the third flight, to allow a demonstration launch to precede it. The failure of the demonstration flight led to further delays. In August 2007, the Pentagon announced that the launch of TacSat-1 was canceled due to the completion of most of its mission requirements by AFRL's previously launched TacSat-2.[5] In September 2008, this decision was reversed, and it was reported that TacSat-1 would be launched by the sixth Falcon 1, in 2009.[1]
Systems
The TacSat series of satellites use commercial or available launchers, and largely off-the-shelf components, in order to reduce costs.
Platform
The TacSat-1 spacecraft is based on Orbital Sciences' MicroStar platform, also used for the Orbcomm communications constellation.
Developers
Apart from the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), other organizations participating included:
- DOD Space Test Program (Space and Missile Systems Center’s Space Development and Test Wing)
- DOD Operationally Responsive Space Office
- Army Space Program Office
- Air Force Space Command
- Space Warfare Center
- NASA
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
References
- 1 2 Lindsey, Clark S. (2008-09-11). "Next Falcon I launch planned within 2 weeks". RLV and Space Transport News. HobbySpace. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
- ↑ "Tactical Microsatellite Experiment (TacSat-1)". NRL.
- ↑ "Rapid Satellite Payload Development for TacSat-1". NRL.
- ↑ Singer, Jeremy (2006-12-04). "USAF To Experiment With Satellite To Improve Ground Communications". Defense News.
- ↑ Berger, Brian (2007-09-06). "Pentagon Cancels TacSat-1 Mission". Space.com. Retrieved 2008-08-09.