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).
Glory will be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California aboard Orbital's Taurus XL space launch vehicle. After a 30-day in-orbit verification period, the spacecraft will collect scientific data on a near continuous basis for the life of the mission.
Mission operations and control will be performed at Orbital’s Mission Operations Center (MOC), located at the company’s Dulles, Virginia headquarters facility.
Performance:
Orbit: 705km, circular - low earth orbit (LEO)
Stabilization: 3-axis, stabilized, zero momentum
Solar Arrays: Bi-axial articulated
Power – 750 W arrays
Propulsion: 45kg, monopropellant blowdown, 4-4N thrusters
Launch Mass: 545 kg (1,202 lbs)
Mission life: 3 years (goal of 5 years)
Status:
In development. Launch planned aboard a Taurus XL rocket in 2009.
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™ bus design, with deployable solar panels, 3-axis stabilization, and X-band/S-band RF communications capabilities.
