Orion Space Solutions, a subsidiary of Arcfield, announced its Rapid Revisit Optical Cloud Imager satellite was launched successfully on March 4.
This advanced satellite will offer high-resolution images and infrared data of the Earth, helping the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command make accurate weather forecasts.
Orion and its partners were selected by the Space Systems Command to create and demonstrate an 8-channel RROCI prototype for its weather program. The RROCI imager, built with ready-made commercial systems, will help identify cloud cover, reduce weather risks and deliver real-time weather information.
During its 1-year demonstration, the RROCI payload will also compare its outputs to existing U.S. weather satellite data from a 12U CubeSat that meets USSF’s demonstration mission requirements.
“We are thrilled to support the U.S. Space Force with our advanced weather satellite,” said Chad Fish, Orion general manager and president. “Ensuring the safety and success of military operations such as maritime surface tracking, adversarial missile observation and intelligence collection, depends on having access to reliable weather data. We believe RROCI’s capabilities will make a significant contribution in this regard and are honored to be trusted with this work.”
Orion’s team developed the RROCI satellite for USSF from its facilities in Louisville, Colorado. The spacecraft has undergone rigorous testing to make sure it meets federal required demonstration mission capabilities, the company said.
Over the next 12 months, the Orion team will manage on-orbit operations and data collection for RROCI.
“Not only does this deployment mark a significant milestone for Arcfield, as we continue to expand our portfolio of space-based solutions through our Orion business,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman and president of Arcfield. “It also marks a significant milestone for our Department of Defense mission partners as we work together to develop innovative solutions in support of our nation’s space superiority objective.”