The U.S. Space Force (USSF) and the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC)’s Launch Enterprise (PDF) successfully propelled an experimental research payload for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) aboard a Terrier-Terrier-Oriole (TTO) Sounding Rocket from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Virginia early on March 3, 2021.
The successful mission was full of many firsts for SMC’s Small Launch and Targets Division. This was the first USSF small launch mission for 2021, the first AFRL dedicated partnership launch from WFF, the first sounding rocket launch under the Sounding Rocket Program-4 (NSROC) contract, and the first USSF sounding rocket launch with Space Vector Corporation.
The TTO vehicle was built by Space Vector, a small business, and Kratos Space and Missile Defense who were responsible for the integration, interface and mission planning for the launch.
“This mission is a great example of the innovation in SMC contracting and using Small Launch contracts to expand our capability and provide support in launching experimental missions,” stated Lt. Col. Ryan Rose, Chief of the Launch Enterprise’s Small Launch and Targets Division and Mission Director for this launch. “Congratulations to the entire government and industry team on successfully executing this important mission, and launching in only 16 months from contract award during the challenging conditions presented this past year.”
