ANGELS (USA 255)

Spacecraft nº:

US spacecraft nº:

Launch data: Designation  40101 / 14043C Launch date  28 Jul 2014 - 23:28 UT Launch site  CC, SLC-37B Launch vehicle  Delta-4M+(4,2) Mission  Technology Geosynchronous orbit: Perigee / Apogee   km Eccentricity   Inclination   ° Period   min

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• USA 255 is a satellite that is part of Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP). GSSAP satellites are a space-based capability operating in the near-geosynchronous orbit regime supporting U.S. Strategic Command space surveillance operations as a dedicated Space Surveillance Network (SSN) sensor.
• The ANGELS program is part of AFRL's continuing effort to develop new small satellite technologies capable of providing localized monitoring and awareness in space. The program builds on AFRL's XSS-10 and XSS-11 small satellite programs, which explored rendezvous, proximity operations and station-keeping techniques with very small satellites. Such capabilities are applicable to a broad range of defense and civilian space missions. The program will culminate in the launch of a small satellite into geosynchronous orbit, where it will perform a series of monitoring and maneuvering tests around a larger satellite to be designated at a later time.

Mission details:

• United Launch Alliance launched a Delta 4 rocket on Jul 28, 2014 with three payloads. ANGELS is a smaller satellite, around 70 kg, for the Air Force Research Lab and will make observations of the Delta rocket's second stage at ranges from 50 km down to a few km, for further development of satellite inspection technology. The exact orbit of the satellites is not known but is probably a few hundred km below GEO.

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