22796 - ACTS

The objectives of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) include: (1) maintaining U.S. leadership in satellite communications; (2) providing advanced communications technology for NASA missions and other government agencies; (3) testing and verifying advanced technologies including high power, fast hopping spot-beam antennas, Ka Band (30/20 GHz) components, and on-board processing and switching; and (4) testing and demonstrating technologies through an experiment program with participation by telecommunications users, service, and product providers.

On 28 April 2004, ACTS was permanently shut down. It is electrically inert at this time. It will remain at 105 Re in an inclined geosynchronous orbit indefinitely.

Alternate Names

Advanced Communications Technology Satellite

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 1993-09-12
Launch Vehicle: Shuttle
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Mass: 2733.0 kg