Kestrel Eye
Abstract
Kestrel Eye is a very small, 25 kilogram class satellite that provides “good enough” 1.5 meter resolution visible imagery. Imagery tasking and delivery is controlled directly by the Combatant Commander to ensure sufficient timelines for near real-time situation awareness and decision-making in the field. The cost of less than $1.500 million for a Kestrel Eye enables an affordable constellation for persistence, near continuous converge between 45 degrees North/South. The primary outputs and efficiencies are: (1) Finish one Block 1 “proof of concept” design, launch Block 1 Kestrel Eye and conduct on-orbit evaluation and upgrade Block 2 design with propulsion system and improved telescope pointing using a star tracker. The JCTD will build and launch three Block 2 design Kestrel Eye satellites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Source ID
- ea75bbfc7b5a06b88359af14a6c5ad76