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TacSat-2 Ready For Launch
Date: 11/06/2006Description:
MicroSat Systems, Inc. (MSI) announces the completion of spacecraft system testing and the delivery of the responsive satellite bus, TacSat-2. The bus arrived at the Wallops Island Flight Facility launch site in Virginia and is scheduled to launch December 11, 2006, on a Minotaur I Rocket.
TacSat-2 is being developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., as the first in a series to demonstrate the objectives of the joint warfighting space (JWS) initiative. The micro satellite features 11 onboard experiments, which will be conducted during the spacecraft’s planned six to 12- month mission including high resolution visible imagery, direct theater payload tasking and high speed data downlink, autonomous on-orbit checkout, as well as operations and dynamic retasking based on internal/external cueing.
“This bus demonstrates MSI’s high performance spacecraft capabilities, and ability to offer an affordable spacecraft utilizing a common basic bus structure. MSI will also join and support the Air Force team during the mission operations of the spacecraft,” said John Roth, President of MSI.
Prior to shipment, simulations of the TacSat-2 mission using the spacecraft were successfully completed to clear the way for launch. MSI designed and built the satellite bus, as well as the experimental solar array. MSI’s Thin Film Experimental Solar Array will be demonstrated within the first few days of the mission, as well as the acquisition of the first images from the spacecraft and a firing of the Hall Effect Thruster.
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