Lockheed Martin introduces new small reconnaissance satellites for long-range tracking of moving targets

May 4, 2021
Based on the company's LM 400, these refrigerator-sized, solar-powered spacecraft use an open-architecture design for building in large numbers.

LITTLETON, Colo. – Lockheed Martin Corp. has unveiled a new line of military tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites to provide battlefield forces with long-range tracking of moving targets in hostile environments in near-real-time. New Atlas reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

4 May 2021 -- The Lockheed Martin Space segment in Littleton, Colo., is offering a line of reconnaissance satellites based on the company's LM 400 mid-size satellite bus. The tactical ISR satellites use the Open Mission System (OMS) and the Universal Command and Control Interface (UCI) to make them able to operate with different platforms and battle management systems.

These refrigerator-sized, solar-powered spacecraft use an open-architecture design that lends itself to being manufactured in large numbers to increase affordability. The goal is a constellation of satellites that can bring different assets to bear for a faster find-fix-finish kill outcome.

It's a software-defined platform so it can adapt quickly to changing threats, and boasts the ability to provide up to 14 kilowatts to payloads weighing as much as 3,300 pounds. Also, it has a hardened data processing system supporting in-theater, low-latency sensor tasking, orbital data processing, protected communications, direct situational awareness downlinks, and targeting information transmission.

Related: KBR Centauri to develop synthetic aperture radar detection algorithms to image ground moving targets

Related: Army and Navy to develop prototype artillery smart munition able to hit moving targets without GPS

Related: Raytheon to help develop small satellites to give persistent-surveillance data to the front lines

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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