The Air Force and its industry partners launched a National Reconnaissance Office classified payload into orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. “This was our 11th launch for 2013 and I couldn’t be more proud of this team of professionals,” said Col. Keith Balts, commander of Vandy’s 30th Space Wing, of the Dec. 5 mission, in a base release. NROL-39 was the last of NRO’s two missions in 2013, according to a release from the agency. It followed NROL-65 in August. The classified payload may be a radar-imaging satellite, reported NASASpaceFlight.com. NROL-39 also featured the Government Experimental Multi-Satellite as an auxiliary payload. GEMSat contained 12 CubeSats, nanosatellites that will perform scientific experiments and demonstrate high-technology operational concepts, according to NRO’s release. Among them is the Air Force’s ALICE payload that features a carbon nanotube array with “great potential for smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient satellite propulsion,” states the release. GEMSat “represents a significant milestone in accomplishing consistent access to space for advancing novel capabilities,” said Maj. David Illsley, NRO’s overhead solutions branch chief. NRO’s first nanosat rideshare mission was NROL-36 in August 2012.
U.S. Space Command is still passionate about the idea of being able to maneuver satellites in orbits without worrying about conserving fuel. But how exactly to achieve that remains unsettled as the combatant command works with the Pentagon’s acquisition enterprise, SPACECOM’s deputy commander said.