Image courtesy of Goodrich.
The DoD Operationally Responsive Space Office's Operationally Responsive Space-1 spacecraft, developed by SMC's Space Development and Test Directorate, is scheduled to launch today at 8:28 p.m. EDT from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport aboard a Minotaur I rocket. The rapid development and deployment of the ORS-1 spacecraft reinforces the potential of low-cost, tactically focused satellites that can augment existing capability for the warfighter. ORS-1's development, launch and operations are vital steps in demonstrating the possibilities to meet the Joint Force Commanders emerging needs for space capabilities. The payload leverages a SYERS-2 sensor, the primary imaging sensor on the U-2 reconnaissance plane. The ORS-1 payload was built by the Goodrich Corporation, who also served as prime contractor, while the spacecraft bus was built by ATK Spacecraft Systems & Services, Beltsville, Md. It includes an integrated propulsion system as well as other critical subsystems for communications, attitude control, thermal control and command and data handling.
ORS-1 is designed to deliver a unique space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability to the warfighter. ORS-1 is the first rapidly developed satellite designed to directly support U.S. Central Command operations and is expected to provide battlespace awareness monitoring capabilities. "The entire ORS-1 team, including our government and industry partners, has worked tremendously hard in its efforts to meet CENTCOM's requirements and deliver this satellite in 30 months. We're eager to get into operations, anticipating a successful deployment so that we can begin to provide products to the warfighter," said Col. Carol Welsch, Acting Director of the Space Development and Test Directorate and ORS-1 mission director. ORS-1 will ride to orbit on a Minotaur I launch vehicle also managed by SMC's Space Development and Test Directorate. This will be the 10th launch of the Minotaur I and the 4th launch for the Minotaur program from the Wallops Facility. The responsive, reliable, and cost-effective nature of the Minotaur I were key decision points for using this launch vehicle.