Aitech's Low-power, rad-tolerant boards provide real-time data in satellite program. (PRNewsFoto/Aitech Defense Systems)
The Space Sector of Aitech Defense Systems, Inc., a supplier of space-qualified electronics for open architecture CompactPCI technologies, has announced that the avionics card set it developed for ATK Space Systems' Responsive Space Modular Bus (RSMB) used on the TacSat-3 satellite has successfully completed two years of maintenance free operation. As the heart of the TacSat-3 space vehicle, ATK's RSMB was designed to meet the mission's requirements of operational responsiveness, low-cost and high performance, while providing the flexibility to be adapted for additional operationally responsive space (ORS) missions into the future.
Launched in May 2009, TacSat-3's mission is to demonstrate the capability to conduct hyperspectral imaging that is responsive to the needs of U.S. warfighters. Since then, the spacecraft designed by ATK has delivered more than 2,100 images and demonstrated the ability to transmit processed data to a ground station within ten minutes of call up. The spacecraft is a pioneer of the emerging Operationally Responsive Space program, which was designed to meet the growing need of U.S. forces for flexible, affordable and responsive satellite systems.