The Tetra-1 satellite of the U.S. Space Force’s Innovation Development Branch—a function of Space Systems Command—has completed its mission after two years of service.
The SSC said Tuesday the Tetra-1 satellite, launched on Nov. 1, 2022 will now transition to residual operations after helping over 250 U.S. Space Force Guardians, airmen and operators. The satellite was utilized for experimentations and training with different techniques and procedures in geosynchronous Earth orbit, or GEO.
The Tetra-1 Satellite
The Tetra-1 satellite, the first Tetra small satellite, was developed by Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing subsidiary, and fielded by the Innovation Development Branch of SSC’s Innovation and Prototyping Directorate. It was launched into GEO in less than 18 months.
The satellite enabled SSC to utilize non-traditional vendors for on-orbit capabilities. It also allowed space operators to understand how to operate and manage small satellites, which can be potentially used for future GEO missions.
The Tetra-1 was utilized for SCARLET STAR, a testing and training campaign conducted by the 98th Space Range Squadron and 57th Space Aggressor Squadron of Space Training and Readiness Command. The campaign assessed the three USSF field commands’ abilities to coordinate during multiple live on-orbit events.
Tetra-1 Satellite Post-Mission Life
After 18 months, Tetra-1 will now serve as a test bed to determine the lifespan of satellite components.
