Kestrel Eye
Abstract
Kestrel Eye is a very small, 25 kilogram class satellite that provides “good enough” 1.5 meter resolution and visible imagery. Imagery tasking and delivery is controlled directly by the Combatant Commander to ensure sufficient timelines for near real-time situational awareness and decision-making in the field. The cost of less than $1.500 million enables an affordable constellation for persistence, near continuous converge between 45 degrees North/South. The primary outputs and efficiencies are: (1) finish one Block one “proof of concept” design; launch Block one Kestrel Eye and conduct on-orbit evaluation; and upgrade Block two design with propulsion system and improved telescope pointing using a star tracker. The JCTD will build and launch three Block two design Kestrel Eye satellites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- e6a3c8333a78fc9f52cf9af6b56f6e86