ADVERTISEMENT

The MicroSat That Could

Dec. 29, 2006

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

Trending Stories

Can the Latest Plan for CYBERCOM Stave Off Calls for a New Service?

Air Force’s New Fighter Math Doesn’t Add Up for Critics

Air Force Issues Guidance on Shutdown Backpay, Telework for Returning Workers

READ: Hegseth’s Speech to Generals and Admirals

Related

Trump Says US Will Sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia

Nov. 17, 2025
President Donald Trump said he plans to sell F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, announcing his decision Nov. 17, a day before he meets the country’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.

Can the Latest Plan for CYBERCOM Stave Off Calls for a New Service?

Nov. 16, 2025
In a brief email Nov. 6, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth laid out a new Cyber Force Generation plan, meant to give U.S. Cyber Command more authority over the employment, training, and equipping of U.S. troops preparing for and waging cyber war. Former Air Force officers and national security officials say the…

Shutdown Had No Major Impact on Flying Hours, Exercises: Air Force

Nov. 15, 2025
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.

NATO Cancels Plan to Buy E-7 Wedgetails

Nov. 13, 2025
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.orgNATO is abandoning its effort to buy E-7 Wedgetails to replace its...