Small-satellite constellation for USAF launched by L3Harris
NewsJuly 08, 2020
MELBOURNE, Fla. L3Harris Technologies launched the latest in a demonstration series of end-to-end small satellites as part of a U.S. Air Force constellation the company is responsible for developing.
As the prime contractor for the firm fixed-price development space mission, L3Harris is designing, developing, building, testing, and deploying the satellites. The company will task, command, and control the satellite system, as well as perform on-board processing of data to deliver imagery products directly to warfighters on tactical timelines, according to the company.
The Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles Secondary Payload Adapter, or ESPA-class, satellite system will use L3Harris’ fully reprogrammable payload platform — intended to allow operators to reconfigure smallsat payloads on orbit to changing missions. The company’s High Compaction Ratio unfurlable X-band reflector is also on board to enable high-speed data communication.
