# Aces-1

> American technology demonstration satellite operated by DARPA

**Wikidata**: [Q137807308](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137807308)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aces-1

## Summary
Aces-1 is an American technology demonstration satellite operated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), designed to test experimental technologies in space.

## Key Facts
- Aces-1 is a technology demonstration spacecraft and minisatellite, weighing less than 500–600 kg.
- Operated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and part of the Blackjack surveillance satellite constellation.
- Launched on June 12, 2023, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.
- Built using a Saturn-200 spacecraft bus manufactured by Blue Canyon Technologies, with payload contributions from SEAKR Engineering and CACI.
- Operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit to support its technology demonstration mission.

### FAQs
### Q: Who operates Aces-1?
A: Aces-1 is operated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

### Q: When was Aces-1 launched?
A: Aces-1 was launched on June 12, 2023, at 21:35:00 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

### Q: What is the purpose of Aces-1?
A: Aces-1 is a technology demonstration satellite designed to test experimental technologies for the Blackjack surveillance satellite constellation.

### Q: What is the launch vehicle for Aces-1?
A: Aces-1 was launched aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 orbital launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Aces-1 serves as a critical testbed for advancing space technology, particularly within DARPA’s Blackjack surveillance satellite constellation. By demonstrating experimental systems, it reduces technical risk and cost for future satellite programs, enabling more efficient and effective space-based operations. Its mission validates miniaturized, high-performance satellite designs, which can enhance the capabilities of surveillance and communication networks in orbit.

## Notable For
- First technology demonstration satellite in the Blackjack constellation, integrating multiple experimental payloads.
- Utilized a Saturn-200 bus from Blue Canyon Technologies, a specialized miniaturized spacecraft platform.
- Launched on a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, the current operational version of SpaceX's orbital launch vehicle.
- Features contributions from multiple manufacturers, including SEAKR Engineering for payload and CACI for a laser communication terminal.

## Body
### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Date/Time**: June 12, 2023, at 21:35:00 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (B1071.9).
- **Orbit Type**: Sun-synchronous orbit.

### Technical Specifications
- **Classification**: Technology demonstration spacecraft, minisatellite (<500–600 kg).
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Saturn-200 (Blue Canyon Technologies).
- **Payload Partners**: SEAKR Engineering (payload), CACI (laser communication terminal).

### Mission and Operator
- **Operator**: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
- **Constellation**: Blackjack (American surveillance satellites).
- **Successor**: Aces-2, another DARPA-operated technology demonstration satellite.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Aces-1",
  "description": "American technology demonstration satellite operated by DARPA",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/aces-1.htm)
2. Advancing Low Earth Orbit: Achievements and Lessons From the DARPA Blackjack Program
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.bluecanyontech.com/spacecraft/saturn-200/)