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MSTI-2

Jump to: Mission Objectives, Mission Instrumentation, Mission Parameters, Additional Information

Mission Photos:

MSTI-2
Courtesy of Air Force Research Laboratory

Mission Objectives:

The first satellite in the Miniature Sensor Technology Integration MSTI series, MSTI-1, was launched into low earth orbit (LEO) 21 November 1992 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on a NASA SCOUT booster and succeeded in meeting all primary mission objectives. The spacecraft operated in its 400-km polar orbit until the spring of 1993. The MSTI-1 spacecraft weighed just 150 kg and was built for $19M in less than twelve months. The mission paved the way for the more sophisticated detection and tracking payload on MSTI-2.

The second MSTI satellite, MSTI-2, was launched into low earth orbit on 8 May 1994, aboard the last NASA SCOUT booster. The six month primary mission of the satellite was to demonstrate theater ballistic missile (TBM) tracking. The 170 kg MSTI-2 was injected into a 355 km x 455 km polar orbit and then executed an orbit raise to its final orbit, 432 km circular, sun-synchronous, 97.13-degree inclination. On May 8, MSTI-2 successfully acquired and tracked a Minuteman III launched from Vandenberg AFB.

Mission Instrumentation:

MSTI-2 has the following instrumentation onboard:

  • Short wavelength infrared camera
  • Medium wavelength infrared camera
  • Retroreflector array
Mission Parameters:
Sponsor: US Air Force
Expected Life: 6 months, mission complete
Primary Applications: missile tracking
Primary SLR Applications: experimental
COSPAR ID: 9402801
SIC Code: 9009
Satellite Catalog (NORAD) Number: 23101
Launch Date: May 8, 1994
RRA Diameter: 18 cm
RRA Shape: hemispherical
Reflectors: 9 corner cubes
Orbit: circular, sun-synchronous
Inclination: 97.13 degrees
Eccentricity: 0.000
Perigee: 432 km
Period: 94 minutes
Weight: 170 kg

Additional Information: