TACSAT-4 Early Flight Operations Including Lessons From Integration, Test, and Launch Processing

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA569654 | Open PDF

Abstract:

TacSat-4 is an experimental Ultra High Frequency UHF communications satellite that launched on a Minotaur IV from Kodiak, Alaska on September 27, 2011. The spacecraft and ground capabilities are briefly described for context. The integration, testing, launch processing, early flight operations, and initial end user results are then discussed. Unique approaches and lessons learned are highlighted. For example, the launch powered off approach used to test new Operationally Responsive Space ORS bus standards worked particularly well, and had several benefits during launch processing. The ORS Office is leading the Joint Military Utility Assessment of the TacSat-4 mission.

Author(s):
Duffey, Tim ; Hurley, Mike ; Raynor, Bill ; Specht, Trevor ; Weldy, Ken ; Bradley, Eric ; Amend, Chris ; Rossland, Eric ; Barnds, Jim ; Akins, Keith
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC
Descriptive Note:
Conference paper
Supplementary Note:
Presented at the 26 Annual AIAA/USU Small Satellite Conference, Utah State University Logan, Utah, August 13-16, 2012. The original document contains color images.
Pagination:
0014

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
NRL
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_6.1.2_Wireless Transmission; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.1.3_Switching and Routing; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1.4.2_Health Service Delivery; JCA_1.4_Force Support; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_5.3.2_Apply Situational Understanding; JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2.7_Experimentation; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6.3.3_Spectrum Management
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
*COMMUNICATION SATELLITES, FLIGHT, INTEGRATION, LAUNCHING, TEST AND EVALUATION
Field(s)/Group(s):
Unmanned Spacecraft
Keyword(s):
TACSAT 4
Report Date:
2012 Aug 01
Creation Date:
2013 Mar 04