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TACSAT
Part of HS 308
Tacsat
Tacsat
Credit: USAF
American communications technology satellite. TACSAT was designed to experimentally test and develop tactical communications concepts for all US military services. Communication satellite built by Hughes for USAF, USA. Launched 1969. Used the HS-308 bus.

Status: Operational 1969. First Launch: 1969-02-09. Last Launch: 1969-02-09. Number: 1 . Gross mass: 730 kg (1,600 lb). Height: 3.40 m (11.10 ft).

As part of an Air Force program aimed at eventual development of a military tactical communications system to complement the IDCSP system, Hughes built the largest experimental communications satellite ever constructed to that time. The mission evaluated the feasibility of using satellite communication repeaters with small surface terminal communication equipment for highly mobile land, sea and air forces. The project was led by the USAF Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO). The satellite featured a then-unique antenna array extending from the top of the drum-shaped spacecraft. The five-element antenna array consisted of UHF antennas, each nearly 2.5 m long. Beneath them were 2 microwave horns. At the extreme top was a biconic horn used for telemetry and command. Technology and concepts originating in this satellite would later make Hughes the leader in commercial communications satellites.

The satellite was spin-stabilized, with the solar panels rotating while the antennas and inner structure remain in a fixed position. The spacecraft was a cylindrical shaped aluminum structure with passive thermal control, spin stabilized (54 rpm) to 0.1 deg using a new gyrostat technique. Body mounted solar cells generated 980 W max and recharged three NiCd batteries of 6 AHr capacity each. The vehicle carried two transponders, one at X-band and one at UHF. The X-band transponder had a bandwidth of 10 MHz and a maximum RF power of 30 watts. The UHF transponder had a bandwidth of 10 MHz and a maximum RF output of 230 watts. Provision was made for cross strapping the UHF and X-band up and downlinks with a reduced usable bandwidth of 425 kHz. Earth coverage horn antennas were used at X-band, bifilar helices were used at UHF.


More at: TACSAT.

Family: Communications technology sat, Geosynchronous orbit, Technology. Country: USA. Launch Vehicles: Titan, Titan IIIC. Launch Sites: Cape Canaveral, Cape Canaveral LC41. Agency: USAF SAMSO, Hughes. Bibliography: 2, 405, 6, 13246.
Photo Gallery

Tacsat 1Tacsat 1
Credit: Manufacturer Image


Tacsat 1Tacsat 1
Credit: Manufacturer Image



1967 January 11 - .
1969 February 9 - . 21:09 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC41. LV Family: Titan. Launch Vehicle: Titan IIIC.
1970 July 1 - .
2006 December 16 - . 12:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: Wallops Island LA0B. LV Family: Minuteman. Launch Vehicle: Minotaur 1.
2009 May 19 - . 23:55 GMT - . Launch Site: Wallops Island. Launch Complex: Wallops Island LA0B. LV Family: Minuteman. Launch Vehicle: Minotaur 1.
2011 September 27 - . 15:49 GMT - . Launch Site: Kodiak. LV Family: Peacekeeper. Launch Vehicle: Minotaur IV-Plus.

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