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The MicroSat That Could

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

The Air Force Research Lab’s Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, N.M., reports that the TacSat-2 spacecraft launched Dec. 16 from Wallops Island, Va., has begun its on-orbit operations, expected to continue over the next six-12 months. Among the experimental satellite’s 11 instrument packages are ones to support two trials—a 20-inch telescope built by the directorate and the Common Data Link tactical radio—both of which are expected to aid current combat operations. Neal Peck, TacSat-2 program manager, says with all components working properly, the project team “is excited about the positive start to a milestone mission for the future of rapid responsive space operations.”

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org