Space Force: Testing Satellite Tech for Faster Missions

The U. S. Space Force is gearing up to test new modular satellite technology in an upcoming mission. This mission is part of their Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) program, aiming to speed up the launch of important payloads like surveillance sensors into space. The Space Force wants to use a system called Handle, created by The Aerospace Corporation. Handle makes it easier to connect satellite payloads to standardized platforms. This technology was first tested in a mission last year.The Space Force needs more flexibility and speed in satellite development because the traditional way is too slow. They want to be able to react quickly to threats in space. The upcoming mission, called Victus Salo, will use Handle and is planned for late 2026. It will go into low Earth orbit with a payload from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Space Force sees this as a learning step for faster, more flexible satellite missions. They've also hired a company to provide launch services and the needed propulsion. It's like building a LEGO set but for satellites. The Space Force wants to make satellite assembly faster and easier, so they can launch them quicker when needed. This mission is a test to see how well this new way works.