Blackjack
Abstract
The Blackjack program is developing space technologies demonstrating a proliferated smallsat constellation capability in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Capabilities demonstrated will provide constant custody of very large numbers of concurrent targets; target identification, tracking, and characterization; tactical communications; architectural resilience via massive proliferation; and rapid on-orbit technology refresh and experimentation. Blackjack will leverage commercial industry plans to build constellations in LEO to provide global commercial broadband internet service. Key efforts include low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) multi-modality smallsat sensor payloads, algorithms for autonomous payload and architecture command and control, algorithms for satellite on-board processing and data fusion, and advanced manufacturing for military payload mass production. A MOA documents the partnership with U.S. Space Force and Air Force. The anticipated transition partners are the U.S. Space Force, Air Force and Space Development Agency. Blackjack will progress through design and build of 2 satellites with missile warning/defense payloads, then an additional 2 satellites with tactical communications and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) payloads, and then build and launch 2 additional missile warning/defense and 8 additional tactical communications/ISR satellites for the full Blackjack demonstration of a proliferated LEO constellation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- ebf89e78f6547e9f397286f0c8c21a85