Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS)
The C/NOFS satellite was designed and built under a U.S. Air Force contract to demonstrate techniques for measuring ionospheric data from low earth orbit to characterize and forecast scintillations in the UHF band (300 - 3000 MHz). This space weather data can better enable mission planning and prevent potential mission failures by optimizing and tailoring communications routes, paths, and/or priorities to make the most effective use of satellite communications, navigation, and surveillance assets.
General Dynamics AIS (acquired by Orbital in April 2010) designed and manufactured the spacecraft, and integrated the space system.
Performance:
Orbit: 401 x 869 km, 13° inclination
Launch mass: 383 kg
Solar Arrays: 247 W, body mounted
Stabilization: 3-axis
Status:
Operational, launched aboard a Pegasus XL rocket April 16, 2008
Customer:
U.S Air Force
Mission:
Demonstrate techniques to measure ionospheric scintillation
Quick Fact:
Extreme EMI/EMC and electrostatic surface-charge-control requirements drove unique satellite design approaches, including shielding of all wiring harnesses, the shape and high level of electrical conductivity of the exterior, an extensive grounding system, and an electro-statically clean body-mounted solar array
