CHANTILLY, Va., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force successfully launched on September 25 a Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) satellite into its initial low earth orbit, with support from TASC's Rocket Systems Launch Program team. The launch was the second utilizing the Minotaur IV launch vehicle, which has allowed the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Space Development and Test Wing to increase significantly its capability to deliver larger payloads to orbit. The TASC team provided independent mission assurance as well as launch site and engineering support for this launch.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100927/PH71962 )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100927/PH71962 )
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100524/PH08918LOGO )
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100524/PH08918LOGO )
"We are proud that TASC engineers provided the technical expertise which helped ensure the success of the launch," says Pat Talty, vice president of Mission Engineering at TASC. "The Air Force can rely on TASC to deliver the objective advice and support they need."
The Minotaur IV launch vehicle used for the SBSS mission consists of the first three rocket motor stages from decommissioned Peacekeeper inter-continental ballistic missiles. In addition to mission assurance and launch support for the new Minotaur IV systems, the TASC team provided technical expertise for the government-furnished Peacekeeper rocket motors. Orbital Sciences Corporation, the launch vehicle contractor, designed the Minotaur IV launch vehicle and provides a commercial fourth stage rocket motor, new and upgraded structures, electronics, and software used to fly the Minotaur IV launch vehicle. TASC is a key member of the joint team that has developed the Minotaur family of launch vehicles.
Future Minotaur IV missions will include options such as larger rocket upper stages and a hydrazine propulsion and attitude control system. A five-stage Minotaur V vehicle is also currently in development. The U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Space Development and Test Wing's Launch Test Squadron located at Kirtland AFB, NM, manages the program.
About TASC
Founded in 1966, TASC, Inc. is the leading, non-conflicted provider of advanced systems engineering, integration and decision-support services to the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense and civilian agencies of the federal government. A unit of Northrop Grumman Corporation from 2001 to 2009, TASC became an independent company in December 2009. With 5,000 employees in 38 locations, TASC generates more than $1.6 billion in annual revenue. For more information and career opportunities, visit our website at www.tasc.com. Media contact: Christine Nyirjesy Bragale, (703) 653-5996, [email protected].
SOURCE TASC, Inc.
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article