TACSAT 3 (35001)

COSPAR: 2009-028A | Alt Name: Tacsat 3
DECAYED

Image
TACSAT 3 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 19, 2009

Launch Site

WLPIS

Launch Pad

Pad 0B

Launch Vehicle

Minotaur I

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

35001

International Designator

2009-028A

Decay Date

4/30/2012

Basic Satellite Info

Name

TACSAT 3

Alternative Name

Tacsat 3

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

AFRL

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
TACSAT 3 is a technology and imaging satellite, also known as Tacsat 3, with the OBJECT_ID 2009-028A. It was launched on May 19, 2009, from WLPIS Pad 0B using a Minotaur I launch vehicle for the AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory). The satellite has a cylindrical shape with three panels and dimensions of 3 meters in length, 1.2 meters in diameter, and a span of 10 meters. It was manufactured by ATKS and equipped with ARTEMIS equipment. TACSAT 3 has a dry mass of 400 kilograms and uses power from three deployable fixed solar arrays along with batteries. The satellite's design lifetime was six months but achieved an operational lifespan of three years, featuring a configuration known as ORSMB and belonging to the US.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3

Diameter

1.2

Span

10

Dry Mass

400

Launch Mass

400

Shape

Cyl + 3 Pan

Radar Cross Section

2.5134

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Tacsat 3

Purpose

Technology, imaging

Mission

Technology, imaging

Manufacturer

ATKS

Life Expectancy

6 month (design); 3 years (achieved)

Bus

ATK-A200

Configuration

ORSMB

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

ARTEMIS

Power System

3 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief

Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.

Space Brief 27 Nov 2024

Space Brief 27 Nov 2024

Space highlights include a debut launch of ZhuQue-2E, Firefly's lunar lander timeline, semiconductor funding for satellites, and ISS debris avoidance.

Space Brief 15 Nov 2025

Space Brief 15 Nov 2025

Today's highlights include recent missile deals impacting military satellite launches, a Navy salvage operation in the South China Sea, and defense updates from the Manama Dialogue 2025.

Space Brief 6 Mar 2025

Space Brief 6 Mar 2025

Today's brief covers secret Space Force payloads monitoring China's satellites, collaborations reducing satellite tracking delays, and new AI projects for military operations.

X Report 25 Dec 2024

X Report 25 Dec 2024

SpaceX wraps up a record-breaking year with successful launches and advancements in Starlink mega-constellation.

Space Force Acquisition Workforce Shortfall Threatens Modernization | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Acquisition Workforce Shortfall Threatens Modernization | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force modernization stalls over workforce gaps. Deutsche Telekom targets 2028 for Starlink Mobile V2 across 10 EU nations. Iran ops strain US munition stocks.

Space Brief 27 Dec 2025

Space Brief 27 Dec 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.

Space Brief 22 May 2025

Space Brief 22 May 2025

Today's brief covers strategic alignments in U.S. military space operations, a landmark missile defense program, and advances in secure satellite communications.