# Aces-3

> American technology demonstration satellite operated by DARPA

**Wikidata**: [Q137807310](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137807310)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aces-3

## Summary
Aces-3 is an American technology demonstration minisatellite operated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Launched on June 12, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, it serves as part of the Blackjack constellation, a network of American surveillance satellites. The spacecraft was built to test experimental technologies in a Sun-synchronous orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Technology demonstration spacecraft / Minisatellite.
- **Operator:** Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
- **Parent Program:** Part of the Blackjack constellation.
- **Launch Date:** June 12, 2023, at 21:35:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1071.9).
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2023-084U.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 56950.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Saturn-200.
- **Power Source:** Spacecraft solar array.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Aces-3 satellite used for?
A: Aces-3 is a technology demonstration spacecraft used to test experimental technologies in orbit. It is part of DARPA's Blackjack program, which focuses on developing a constellation of surveillance satellites.

### Q: Who manufactured the Aces-3?
A: The satellite utilizes a Saturn-200 spacecraft bus manufactured by Blue Canyon Technologies. Assembly, integration, and testing were managed by Lockheed Martin Space, while the payload was provided by SEAKR Engineering and the laser communication terminal by CACI.

### Q: When and how was Aces-3 launched?
A: Aces-3 was launched on June 12, 2023, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. It rode aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (specifically booster B1071 on its 9th flight).

## Why It Matters
Aces-3 represents a critical node in DARPA's Blackjack initiative, a program designed to demonstrate the viability of deploying low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations for global surveillance and communication. By integrating a commercial-grade spacecraft bus (the Saturn-200 from Blue Canyon Technologies) with specialized military payloads, Aces-3 serves as a proof-of-concept for "mixed" satellite architectures. This approach aims to reduce costs and deployment times compared to traditional bespoke military satellites.

The inclusion of a laser communication terminal from CACI highlights the satellite's role in advancing secure, high-bandwidth data transfer capabilities essential for modern defense networks. As the third unit in the Aces series, preceded by Aces-2 and followed by Aces-4, it contributes to the iterative testing and rapid capability insertion that defines the Blackjack program's strategy.

## Notable For
- **Blackjack Constellation Integration:** Being a key component of the DARPA Blackjack surveillance constellation.
- **Advanced Laser Comms:** Equipped with a laser communication terminal provided by CACI for high-speed optical data links.
- **Commercial-Military Hybrid:** Utilizing a commercial Saturn-200 bus integrated with defense-specific payloads by Lockheed Martin and SEAKR.
- **Rideshare Deployment:** Launching as part of a broader rideshare mission (Transporter-8) on a flight-proven Falcon 9 booster (B1071.9).

## Body

### Development and Manufacturing
The construction contract for Aces-3 was awarded in 2019. The program involved a multi-vendor integration strategy led by Lockheed Martin Space, which handled assembly, integration, and testing.
*   **Bus:** The satellite is built on the **Saturn-200** platform, a minisatellite bus manufactured by **Blue Canyon Technologies**.
*   **Payload:** The primary payload was developed by **SEAKR Engineering**.
*   **Communication:** It features a laser communication terminal supplied by **CACI**.

### Mission and Orbit
Aces-3 is classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft and a minisatellite (generally defined as weighing less than 500 to 600 kg). It operates in a **Sun-synchronous orbit**, a low-Earth orbit highly favored for reconnaissance and earth observation satellites due to consistent lighting conditions.

### Launch Details
The satellite successfully launched on **June 12, 2023**, at 21:35:00.
*   **Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5.
*   **Booster:** B1071 (flying for the 9th time).
*   **Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
*   **Identifiers:** It is tracked under COSPAR ID **2023-084U** and Satellite Catalog Number **56950**.

### Series Context
Aces-3 is part of a sequential development line of technology demonstration satellites operated by DARPA.
*   **Preceded by:** Aces-2
*   **Followed by:** Aces-4

## Schema Markup
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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/)