28980, 28981, 28982 - ST5-A, ST5-B, ST5-C

ST5-A, ST5-B, and ST5-C are the first three microsatellites in the Space Technology 5 mission of the American (NASA) New Millennium Program. They were launched at 14:04 UT on 2006 March 22 by a Pegasus XL rocket that was released from the belly of a Lockheed L-1011 plane flying out of Vandenberg AFB. Each, with a mass of 25 kg and power of 20 W, is octagon-shaped (53 cm x 48 cm). Each is called a "full-service" satellite, capable of orbit/attitude maneuver and radio links. In all, about 10 innovative, miniaturized technology advances will be tested during the 90-day operational span. Among them are variable emittance coatings (to heat when cold and cool when hot), metal oxide logic circuits that can operate at 0.5 volts, miniature magnetometers, and miniature, spinning Sun-sensors. They will orbit in a "string of pearls" formation. After success with this mission, the hope is to launch many such microsatellites to better understand the space weather impacts. The Project Scientist is James A. Slavin at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The initial orbital parameters of all three were very similar: period 137 min, apogee 4,550 km, perigee 303 km, and inclination 105.6 degrees.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2006-03-22
Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL
Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, United States
Mass: 25.0 kg
Nominal Power: 20.0 W