U.S. Air Force crews flew MQ-1 Predators and MQ-9 Reapers during multiple missions in November and December using a commercial satellite that has a slightly ‘wobbling’ orbit.
The inclined orbit satellite lack the fuel to maintain a fixed geostationary location, in order for the UAVs to communicate with them, the vehicles need to have ability to track and point their antennas correctly.
A test team with the 53rd Test Management Group, Detachment 4 was able to obtain satellite tracking data from the Joint Space Operations Center and ensure accuracy of the linkup.
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