ORS 1

ORS 1 [Goodrich]

ORS 1 (Operationally Responsive Space 1) is the first imaging satellite of the ORS program. The ORS-1 satellite system will provide color pictures of regions selected by ground force commanders, and use existing ground systems to process and distribute the images and other information out to the battlefield. The system is designed to support urgent military needs, while establishing a foundation that will advance the multi-mission modular approach required for future ORS satellites.

The goal of the ORS Office is to develop the capability to rapidly reconfigure, launch, and operate space vehicles in a matter of days.

The Goodrich Corporation, ISR Systems Division, Danbury, Conn., manufactured and integrated the ORS 1. The system duse existing airborne tasking, processing, exploitation and distribution systems. The payload leverages the Goodrich SYERS-2 multi-spectral sensor, the primary imaging sensor on the U-2 reconnaissance plane. ORS 1 is designed to meet a critical U.S. Central Command intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance need.

ATK will provide the spacecraft bus systems to Goodrich, who as the satellite prime contractor will integrate it with their payload. The bus design is based on ATK Space System's Responsive Space Modular Bus (RSMB) of TacSat 3 heritage designed to meet the needs of the ORS office.

The program will lay the groundwork for the ORS office to support critical warfighting needs meeting requirements to rapidly respond to urgent needs in space. The integrated satellite will provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to satisfy an urgent and compelling need for the Combatant Commander

ORS 1 was put into orbit in 2011 on an Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur-1 launch vehicle.

Nation: USA
Type / Application: Imaging
Operator: USAF
Contractors: Goodrich Corporation, ISR Systems Division (prime) ; ATK Space Systems (ex Swales) (bus)
Equipment:
Configuration: ORSMB
Propulsion:
Power: 3 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
Lifetime: 1 - 2 years
Mass: ~450 kg
Orbit: 400 km, 40°
Satellite Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
ORS 1 (ORS-Sat 1, USA 231) 30.06.2011 WI LA-0B Minotaur-1
Further ORS missions: