# Aces-4

> American technology demonstration satellite operated by DARPA

**Wikidata**: [Q137807311](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137807311)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aces-4

## Summary
Aces-4 is an American technology demonstration satellite operated by DARPA as part of the Blackjack surveillance constellation program. It launched aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket to test experimental space technologies.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 12, 2023, at 21:35:00 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Operator**: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
- **Purpose**: Technology demonstration for experimental satellite capabilities
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Class**: Minisatellite (under 500-600 kg) and technology demonstration spacecraft
- **Predecessor**: Aces-3
- **Constellation**: Blackjack program
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1071, Stage B1071.9)
- **SCN ID**: 56952
- **COSPAR ID**: 2023-084W

## FAQs
### Q: What is Aces-4?
A: Aces-4 is a DARPA-operated American minisatellite that demonstrated experimental space technologies as part of the Blackjack surveillance constellation.

### Q: Who built Aces-4?
A: The spacecraft was constructed by multiple companies: Blue Canyon Technologies (bus), Lockheed Martin (assembly/testing), SEAKR Engineering (payload), and CACI (laser communication terminal).

### Q: When and how was Aces-4 launched?
A: It launched on June 12, 2023, at 21:35:00 UTC from Vandenberg SLC-4 East aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.

### Q: What was Aces-4's significance?
A: As part of the Blackjack program, it tested critical technologies for future U.S. surveillance satellite constellations, including a Saturn-200 bus and experimental payloads.

## Why It Matters
Aces-4 advances U.S. space technology by demonstrating capabilities for next-generation surveillance satellites. Its role in the Blackjack program focuses on validating compact, cost-effective satellite designs and inter-satellite communication systems. This accelerates the development of resilient, low-Earth orbit constellations capable of rapid deployment and technology refresh cycles—critical for maintaining space dominance in contested environments.

## Notable For
- Demonstrated experimental technologies as part of DARPA's Blackjack surveillance constellation
- Utilized a Saturn-200 spacecraft bus from Blue Canyon Technologies
- Featured a laser communication terminal from CACI
- Launched on SpaceX's Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1071)
- Part of the Aces satellite series preceding Aces-3

## Body
### Purpose
Aces-4 served as a technology demonstration satellite for DARPA, focusing on validating experimental systems for future surveillance satellites. It contributed to the Blackjack program's goal of developing responsive, low-cost space-based sensing capabilities.

### Specifications
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Saturn-200 by Blue Canyon Technologies
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array
- **Weight Classification**: Minisatellite (under 500-600 kg)
- **Orbit Type**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Launch Mass**: Not specified in source material

### Manufacturing & Integration
- **Bus Provider**: Blue Canyon Technologies
- **Assembly/Testing**: Lockheed Martin Space
- **Payload Developer**: SEAKR Engineering
- **Laser Terminal**: CACI

### Launch Details
- **Date**: June 12, 2023
- **Time**: 21:35:00 UTC
- **Location**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1071, Stage B1071.9)
- **Mission ID**: Construction contract secured in 2019

### Program Context
- **Constellation**: Blackjack (U.S. surveillance satellite program)
- **Series Sequence**: Followed Aces-3
- **Operational Scope**: Part of DARPA's broader space technology initiatives

### Key Technologies Demonstrated
- Experimental satellite bus capabilities
- Laser communication systems (CACI terminal)
- Miniaturized surveillance payload (SEAKR Engineering)

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{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Aces-4",
  "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/)