Th
e 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.”
As the Air Force readied for its June 21-22 strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the service was also putting its Agile Combat Employment strategy into action, dispersing combat aircraft and Airmen from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in preparation for a possible Iranian retaliatory attack. Some defense experts say…
