# Aces-2

> American technology demonstration satellite operated by DARPA

**Wikidata**: [Q137807309](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137807309)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aces-2

## Summary
Aces-2 is an American technology demonstration satellite operated by DARPA, part of the Blackjack constellation of surveillance satellites. Launched on June 12, 2023, it follows the Aces-1 mission and precedes Aces-3, demonstrating experimental technologies in a minisatellite design.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and minisatellite (less than 500 kg).
- **Operator**: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
- **Launch Date**: June 12, 2023, at 21:35 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1071.9).
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Saturn-200, manufactured by Blue Canyon Technologies.
- **Payload**: Developed by SEAKR Engineering.
- **Laser Communication Terminal**: Provided by CACI.
- **Predecessor**: Aces-1 (launched earlier in the series).
- **Successor**: Aces-3 (planned follow-up mission).
- **Part of**: Blackjack constellation of surveillance satellites.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Aces-2?
A: Aces-2 was a technology demonstration satellite operated by DARPA, part of the Blackjack program, designed to test experimental technologies in a minisatellite configuration.

### Q: When was Aces-2 launched?
A: Aces-2 was launched on June 12, 2023, at 21:35 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.

### Q: What was the mass of Aces-2?
A: Aces-2 was a minisatellite, weighing less than 500 kg.

### Q: Who built Aces-2?
A: Aces-2 was built with the Saturn-200 spacecraft bus by Blue Canyon Technologies, while Lockheed Martin Space handled assembly, integration, and testing.

### Q: What was the significance of Aces-2 in the Blackjack program?
A: Aces-2 was part of the Blackjack constellation, following Aces-1 and preceding Aces-3, demonstrating advanced technologies for surveillance and communication.

## Why It Matters
Aces-2 played a crucial role in advancing satellite technology for the U.S. military, particularly in the Blackjack program. As a technology demonstration satellite, it tested experimental systems in a minisatellite framework, contributing to the development of next-generation surveillance capabilities. Its successful launch and integration into the Blackjack constellation highlight DARPA’s efforts to enhance space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The mission also showcased the collaboration between multiple aerospace companies, including Blue Canyon Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and SEAKR Engineering, demonstrating a modular approach to satellite design and manufacturing.

## Notable For
- **First in Series**: Aces-2 was the second satellite in the Aces series, following Aces-1 and preceding Aces-3, marking a step in DARPA’s technology demonstration efforts.
- **Minisatellite Design**: As a minisatellite (under 500 kg), it represented a compact yet capable platform for experimental technologies.
- **Blackjack Integration**: It was part of the Blackjack constellation, contributing to the U.S. military’s surveillance capabilities.
- **Multi-Company Collaboration**: The satellite’s development involved multiple contractors, including Blue Canyon Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and SEAKR Engineering, highlighting a modular approach to satellite manufacturing.

## Body
### Overview
Aces-2 was an American technology demonstration satellite operated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). It was part of the Blackjack constellation of surveillance satellites, following Aces-1 and preceding Aces-3. The satellite was designed to test experimental technologies in a minisatellite configuration, weighing less than 500 kg.

### Launch and Orbit
Aces-2 was launched on June 12, 2023, at 21:35 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (Booster B1071.9). It was placed into a sun-synchronous orbit, a type of orbit commonly used for Earth observation and surveillance satellites.

### Design and Development
The satellite used the Saturn-200 spacecraft bus, manufactured by Blue Canyon Technologies. Lockheed Martin Space handled assembly, integration, and testing. The payload was developed by SEAKR Engineering, while the laser communication terminal was provided by CACI. The construction contract for Aces-2 was awarded in 2019.

### Role in Blackjack Program
Aces-2 was part of the Blackjack program, a constellation of surveillance satellites operated by DARPA. It followed Aces-1 and was succeeded by Aces-3, demonstrating the evolution of technology in the series. The satellite contributed to the U.S. military’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Aces-2",
  "description": "American technology demonstration satellite operated by DARPA, part of the Blackjack constellation.",
  "additionalType": "Spacecraft",
  "manufacturer": "Blue Canyon Technologies",
  "launchDate": "2023-06-12",
  "launchVehicle": "Falcon 9 Block 5",
  "orbit": "Sun-synchronous orbit",
  "operator": "Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency",
  "partOf": "Blackjack constellation"
}

## 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/)