The satellite launch supports the Operationally Responsive Space Office (ORS). TacSat-3 is one of a series of U.S.military satellites designed to demonstrate the ability to provide real-time data collected from space to combatant commanders in the field. SRA’s SCL software provides the autonomous flight software and underlying command and data handling software for the TacSat-3 flight system. SRA’s space business unit (Interface Control and Systems) teamed with Alliant Techsystems (ATK). ATK served as the prime contractor working with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) as the procuring agent for the satellite structure.
“Congratulations to our partners ATK Space and the AFRL for the successful launch of TacSat‑3,” said Brian Buckley SRA’s program manager for the SCL system. “The TacSat‑3 mission is the second in a series of missions to prove that America can build satellites better, cheaper and faster than ever before. These new class of missions will revolutionize the satellite development marketplace and augment capabilities for our troops in the field.”
TacSat-3 marks the second launch of SRA's award winning SCL flight software in support of the ORS office. SCL is used for automation of mission critical systems such as satellites and industrial control systems. SRA’s other ORS missions include TacSat-2, TacSat-4, ORS Sat-1 and PnPsat.
SRA’s ICS business incorporates the responsive space industry’s leading suite of autonomous control systems with SRA’s innovative solutions and systems integration support for the Department of Defense and the intelligence communities. SRA's space business unit delivers key enabling technologies for responsive space and spacelift including spacecraft autonomy, on‑board planning, rapid checkout and commissioning, plug and play technologies, agile and repeatable processes and rapid deployment.