// communications · 2023

Aces-4

American technology demonstration satellite operated by DARPA. Aces-4 was launched on June 12, 2023 aboard a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg. Latest status in GCAT: reentered (orbital decay) (Jan 30, 2026).

COSPAR 2023-084WNORAD 56952United States

Identity

Name in GCAT: Blackjack Aces-4
Common name: Aces-4
International designator: 2023-084W
NORAD catalog number: 56952
GCAT identifier: S56952
UN registration: ST/SG/SER.E/1146

Mission

Mission type: Communications
Use: Defense
Program: BJ Aces
Owner: DARPA
Country: United States
Builder: Blue Canyon Technologies
Platform (bus): X-SAT

Launch

Date: June 12, 2023 · 21:35 UTC
Launch record: 2023-084Success
Rocket: Falcon 9
Spaceport: Vandenberg · pad SLC4E

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LLEO/S
Perigee: 511 km
Apogee: 535 km
Inclination: 97.52°
Status: Reentered (orbital decay)
Status date: January 30, 2026
Last known active: Jun 12, 2023
End of operations: June 2024

Size

Mass: 200 kg
Dry mass: 200 kg
Length: 1.5 m
Diameter: 0.50 m
Span: 1.5 m

Launched together

Aces-3Communications · DARPA QPS-SAR-6Radar imaging · QPS Labs Aces-2Communications · DARPA Aces-1Communications · DARPA W-Series 1Technology · Varda Space Spei SatellesTechnology · PolyTorino URESAT-1Communications · URE MRC-100Signals intelligence · BME EPIC Hyper-2Optical imaging · AAC ClydeSpace

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q137807311 (CC0).