Spy Satellite Ready To Beam Images From War Zones In Real Time

Image: Illustration of the ORS-1 satellite, an operational prototype, scheduled for a one- to two-year mission. U.S. Air Force

CENTCOM's Spy Satellite Set To Beam Images From War Zones -- Stars And Stripes

WASHINGTON — Commanders in Afghanistan and Iraq will soon be able to track the enemy with their own spy satellite.

ORS-1, developed by the Pentagon’s Operationally Responsive Space Office and launched June 29, is the first satellite dedicated to a single combatant command. It’s scheduled to start beaming back tactical imagery in August after a check of the satellite’s systems is completed in orbit.

“What it does for CENTCOM is it gives us direct command over the tasking of this particular satellite,” said Col. Laura Berry, chief of the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance division for Central Command. “For all the others out there, we have to compete with the rest of the intelligence community”

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My Comment: The ORS-1 was launched a few weeks ago, the Air Force announcement is here. This is an incredible development and it will change the dynamics on the battlefield.