26102 - MTI

MTI (Multi-spectral Thermal Imager) was an American quasi-military reconnaissance spacecraft that was launched by a Taurus rocket from Vandenberg AFB at 09:23 UT. The program was cosponsored by the Deparment of Energy, Office of Nonproliferation and National Security. The 587 kg spacecraft carried visible and infrared sensors in 15 spectral bands to spot cooling ponds adjacent to nuclear reactors and dust content associated with uranium ore processing. The collected data will also have spin-off benefits to civilian research involving atmospheric ozone, water vapor, etc.

Alternate Names

Multi-spectral Thermal Imager

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2000-03-12
Launch Vehicle: Taurus
Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, United States
Mass: 587.0 kg