The U.S. Army’s Kestrel Eye electro-optical nanosatellite-class imagery satellite has started beaming back pictures from space from Apr. 28.
Photo Credit: Jason Cutshaw
The 50kg satellite is capable of generating 1.5 meter resolution imagery and upload the images directly to soldiers in the front line.
It was sent into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that was on a resupply mission to the International Space Station. It was deployed into space and activated on Oct. 24.
The next phase is for operational demonstrations with U.S. Pacific Command in late Spring, this will be followed by its participation in multiple Army exercises as part of the final phase.