The US Air Force (USAF) Space Command’s tactical satellite-3 (TacSat-3) has successfully exceeded and reached two years of on-orbit planned mission life.

The satellite, originally designed for six months of operation with a one-year goal, has exceeded its design life and original mission requirements.

TacSat-3, designed to meet the needs of US warfighters for flexible, affordable and responsive satellite systems, has demonstrated its capability to conduct hyperspectral imaging for mission success.

ATK, the spacecraft bus prime contractor, features first generation modular bus technology designed to provide flexibility for future small satellite missions.

The TacSat-3 programme is managed by the USAF Space Command with collaboration from the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate and the Army Space and Missile Defense Command.