WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force’s Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Tracking (TacSRT) program is providing satellite imagery and data analytics to support emergency operations across the southeastern United States following Hurricane Helene.
TacSRT supplied U.S. Northern Command with detailed analyses of road closures, conditions and bridge statuses along key routes between Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina, the service said Oct. 10. “Through the TacSRT program, the U.S. Space Force was able to produce on-demand, agile imagery with actionable information and analysis of points, routes, and areas impacted by flood damage.”
According to a news release, TacSRT data “led to the successful recovery by the 563rd Personnel Recovery Task Force of four injured civilians in North Carolina.”
Launched earlier this year as a pilot initiative, TacSRT operates as a marketplace where government organizations can request specific data on disaster-affected regions from commercial satellite providers. This includes not only raw imagery but also detailed analyses tailored to the needs of emergency responders.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman recently highlighted TacSRT’s value in providing intelligence for military operations.
In support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Air Force’s 563rd Personnel Recovery Task Force has been conducting search and rescue operations across affected areas in North Carolina. These efforts are part of the U.S. Northern Command and Air Forces Northern Defense Support of Civil Authorities disaster relief mission.
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