Global PCB Connections: The Future of HDI PCBs
The Shaughnessy Report: The Designer of Tomorrow
Designers Notebook: Impact of Advanced Semiconductor Packaging on PCB Stackup
Lockheed Martin’s Newest Technology Demo for Space Connectivity Is Ready for Launch
December 10, 2024 | Lockheed MartinEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Lockheed Martin’s newest technology demonstration, called the Tactical Satellite (TacSat), is complete and ready for launch in 2025 aboard a Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket.
TacSat is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance spacecraft with a mission to prove specialized sensing and communications capabilities on orbit. The satellite will participate in exercises next year that highlight cross-domain kill-web connectivity, enabling timely execution of tactical space missions.
“This area of focus is especially important to the future of space as it becomes a more contested environment,” said Paul Koether, director of tactical space at Lockheed Martin. “We’re thrilled to be one step closer to displaying game-changing communications and sensing in the ultimate high ground.”
What’s On Board?
In an increasingly complex battlespace, infrared sensing can be a decisive edge providing more complete situational awareness for allied forces.
TacSat will host a proven Lockheed Martin infrared sensor on board that brings previously developed technology to space for the first time. This sensor produces high quality imagery and it can interface with federated Battle Management Command & Control (BMC2) combat systems to provide joint forces with a comprehensive view of threats.
The satellite will also feature Lockheed Martin’s first 5G.MIL® payload on orbit. This provides cellular-like networking for military space assets, making satellite constellations more resilient. It also helps enable seamless connectivity with tools in the air, at sea and on land.
The power of proliferated connection and influx of actionable data this technology brings will strengthen our customers’ ability to stay ahead of threats on the horizon.
The Bigger Picture
Space-enhanced Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) will enable the global connection of our nation and allies’ military assets. Once operational on orbit, TacSat will be available for customer exercises, including learning endeavors related to Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, Assess (F2T2EA) missions.
Having successfully completed rigorous environmental testing earlier this summer, TacSat has completed its final checkouts at Lockheed Martin’s Littleton, Colorado, campus. Next up on its road to launch, the satellite will ship out to its launch site in California for final processing ahead of liftoff in 2025.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Lockheed Martin Delivers the First Aegis System Equipped Vessel AN/SPY-7(V)1 Radar Antenna to Japan Ministry of Defense
01/16/2025 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin successfully delivered the first AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antenna for the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) to the Japan Ministry of Defense.
The Sky's No Limit: Lockheed Martin's SPY-7 Radar for Spain's F-110 Frigate Successfully Tracks Airborne Objects
01/15/2025 | Lockheed MartinIn partnership with Navantia, Spain’s national defense and shipbuilding company, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), a global leader in aerospace and deterrence, has successfully demonstrated the first live track for the Spain F-110 Multi-Mission Frigate's AN/SPY-7(V)2 radar.
Lockheed Martin Launches Astris AI to Enable Secure AI Solutions Across Industries
12/17/2024 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin has announced the formation of Astris AI, a subsidiary focused on enabling the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions across the U.S. defense industrial base and commercial industry sectors that have high assurance requirements.
Seventh Lockheed Martin-Built GPS III Satellite Launches
12/17/2024 | Lockheed MartinThe seventh Lockheed Martin-designed and -built Global Positioning System (GPS) III space vehicle, GPS III SV07, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, into orbit 12,550 miles above earth.
Army Conducts First Soldier-Led Limited User Test of Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile
12/16/2024 | Lockheed MartinThe U.S. Army successfully completed its first Soldier-led Limited User Test (LUT) of Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in a milestone flight test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.