Lockheed Martin completes TacSat specialised sensing satellite

Lockheed Martin has completed its latest self-funded technology demonstration satellite. Its Tactical Satellite – or “TacSat” – will now be heading to orbit on a Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket in 2025.

TacSat is intended to demonstrate specialised sensing and communications capabilities on orbit, and includes the company’s first 5G.MIL payload.

It is described as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance spacecraft. And it will take part in exercises next year to test connectivity resiliency. Specifically, the test will “highlight cross-domain kill-web connectivity, enabling timely execution of tactical space missions”, says Lockheed.

“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.”

Infrared

Onboard the satellite is a proven Lockheed Martin infrared sensor, which will be used in space for the first time. According to the company, it produces high quality imagery and it can interface with federated Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) combat systems. This is to provide a comprehensive view of threats.

As mentioned, it will also feature Lockheed Martin’s first 5G.MIL payload, a system which it describes as a Tactical Mesh Network. This provides cellular-like networking for military space assets, making satellite constellations more resilient.

The goal is that it also helps enable connectivity with tools in the air, at sea and on land.

Image: Lockheed Martin – TacSat

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