[Satellite TODAY 06-08-11] The U.S. Air Force Space Command’s Tactical Satellite-3 (TacSat-3) has surpassed its expected six-month operational lifespan and completed its second year of service.

    ATK, the spacecraft’s bus prime contractor, announced June 7 that the spacecraft successfully transitioned from experimental to operational status last year, outliving its design life and surpassing original mission requirements.

    Launched in May 2009 and developed under the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) program, TacSat-3 aims to demonstrate capability to conduct hyperspectral imaging to support the needs of U.S. warfighters. The spacecraft has delivered more than 2,100 images and demonstrated the ability to transmit processed data to a ground station within 10 minutes.

    “We are already applying and enhancing our flexible, modular bus platforms for future small satellite missions that include the ORS-1 spacecraft. This technology is also well-suited for commercial and international missions where affordability, high-performance, and a short turnaround are necessary,” ATK Vice President and General Manager Tom Wilson said in a statement.