TSX-5
The Tri-Service Experiment-5 (TSX-5) was the sixth in a series of small satellites built by Orbital and a predecessor company for space research and experiments commissioned by the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center as part of its Space Test Program (STEP).
The TSX-5 research satellite hosted two experiment suites: the Space Test Research Vehicle-2 (STRV-2), and the Compact Environmental Anomaly Sensor (CEASE). STRV-2 was a single unit comprised of seven subexperiments to test a variety of technologies including laser communications, infrared imaging and radiation monitoring technology testbeds among others. CEASE was an autonomous, lightweight, low-power instrument for monitoring the environment around a spacecraft.
TSX-5 was launched on June 7, 2000, from Vandenberg Air Force Base on a Pegasus XL rocket
Performance: |
Orbit – 410 x 1740 km, 68° inclination
Stabilization – momentum based
Mass – 237 kg (523 lb)
Mission Life – 6 months w/one year goal |
Status: |
Mission Complete |
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Customer:
U.S Air Force and Missile Defense Center
Mission:
Military Technology Demostration
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