MiTEx
Joint DARPA, USAF, and US Navy microsatellite technology demonstration.
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Launched on June 21, 2006, the Micro-satellite Technology Experiment (MiTEx) was a joint technology demonstration for DARPA, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Navy. Its three spacecraft included two inspection satellites and an experimental upper stage. After initially inspecting each other, the satellites examined the failed DSP-23 missile detection satellite. The mission tested lightweight power and propulsion, avionics, structures, commercial components, advanced communications, and on-orbit software.
Quick Facts
- Launched
- 21 June 2006
- Launch vehicle
- Delta II (7925-9.5 configuration)
- Launch site
- Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- Spacecraft mass
- 225 kg (496 lb) each
- Number of spacecraft
- 3
- Designations
- USA-187
- USA-188
- USA-189
Facts from the source article.
Development
MiTEx was funded through the Microsatellite Demonstration Science and Technology Experiment Program (MiDSTEP), which received allocations from the DoD Advanced Technology Development budget. Budget documents from February 2008 show MiDSTEP costs of US$8 million in 2007, US$10 million in 2008, and US$8 million in 2009. Owen C. Brown served as program manager for the design, integration, test, launch, and demonstration of MiTEx while at DARPA's Tactical Technology Office.
Mission
Due to their small size, the two inspection satellites were difficult to detect in geosynchronous orbit and could approach other satellites without being noticed. After their primary mission, they were parked on opposite sides of Earth. In January 2009, they were commanded to approach DSP-23, a failed missile detection satellite that had begun drifting 1° East from its parking position at 8.5° East. One MiTEx satellite rendezvoused with DSP-23 around 23 December 2008, followed by the second a week later.
Did You Know?
- The experimental upper stage, designated USA-189, was developed at the United States Naval Research Laboratory and reportedly equipped with photovoltaic arrays for power.
- The launch occurred at 21:34 UTC on 21 June 2006.
More in Military Space Program of the United States
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: MiTEx (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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