The Lockheed Martin Tactical Satellite (TacSat) has completed environmental testing and final checkouts at the company’s Littleton facility and is now ready for launch in 2025. The satellite will be launched aboard a Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket and is scheduled to be shipped to its California launch site for final processing. Designed to demonstrate advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, TacSat will enter orbit next year.
TacSat will participate in upcoming exercises that emphasize cross-domain kill-web connectivity, which is vital for timely execution of tactical space missions. “This area of focus is especially important to the future of space as it becomes a more contested environment,” said Paul Koether, director of tactical space at Lockheed Martin. “We’re thrilled to be one step closer to displaying game-changing communications and sensing in the ultimate high ground.”
The satellite will host a Lockheed Martin infrared sensor that will be used in space for the first time, providing high-quality imagery and interfacing with Battle Management Command & Control systems. This capability aims to enhance situational awareness for allied forces.
TacSat will also carry Lockheed Martin’s first 5G.MIL payload, enabling cellular-like networking for military space assets. This feature is expected to provide more resilient satellite constellations and facilitate connectivity for air, sea and land operations.
Upon its operational launch, TacSat will support customer exercises related to Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, Assess (F2T2EA) missions.
