Glory is a low Earth orbit (LEO) scientific research satellite designed to achieve two major goals:
To collect data on the properties and distribution of aerosols in the Earth’s atmosphere; and,
To collect data on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record.
The data gathered by Glory will enable scientists to draw conclusions about the effects of aerosols on Earth’s atmosphere and climate system, and to measure the effects of solar irradiance on Earth. Glory will accomplish these objectives by utilizing two separate instruments, the Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS) and the Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM).
Performance:
Orbit: 705km, sun-synchronous @ 98.2°
Launch Mass: 528 kg (1,164 lbs)
Solar Arrays: 766 W EOL, dual axis articulated arrays, plus one body mounted fixed array
Stabilization: 3-axis, stabilized, zero momentum
Mission life: 3 years (goal of 5 years)
Status:
Lost due to launch failure
Customer: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Mission: Collect data on the properties and distribution of aerosols in the Earth’s atmosphere, and on solar irradiance for the long-term Earth climate record.
Quick Facts The Glory spacecraft uses Orbital’s LEOStar-2 bus design, with deployable solar panels, 3-axis stabilization, and X-band/S-band RF communications capabilities.
