Orion Performs On-Orbit Demo for Space Systems Command

Orion Space Solutions, an Arcfield subsidiary, has announced the launch of its Rapid Revisit Optical Cloud Imager satellite to demonstrate the spacecraft’s capabilities to support Space Systems Command’s weather forecasting function. 

The electro-optical/infrared weather system cubesat was sent into orbit aboard the SpaceX Transporter-10 rideshare mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 4. The satellite features an eight-channel RROCI prototype using commercial off-the-shelf systems designed to penetrate cloud cover, lessen weather interference and deliver ground weather data, Orion Space Solutions said Thursday.

The cubesat, which has passed the U.S. Space Force’s mission standards, will also compare the data gathered during the one-year demonstration to existing U.S. weather satellite outputs.

Orion’s engineers and scientists, who developed and tested the satellite at the company’s facilities in Louisville, Colorado, will oversee the yearlong on-orbit operations and data gathering.

Chad Fish, Orion general manager and president, is optimistic that the advanced features of the RROCI satellite will deliver a “significant contribution” to USSF’s goal of ensuring the safety and success of military missions.