Launch data:
| Designation
|
23868
/ 96031A
|
|
Launch
date
| 17 May 1996 |
| Launch site | Va, L-1011, RW30/12 |
| Launch vehicle |
Pegasus-H (#11) |
| Mission | Technology |
| Earth orbit: |
|
Perigee/Apogee
|
425
km (sunsynchronous)
|
|
Inclination
|
97°
|
|
Period
|
|
|
Mass
at launch
|
211
kg
|
Experimental satellite to collect data on short- and medium-wave infrared band,
radiating from ground features, bodies of water and atmospheric bodies, such as
clouds. Will demonstrate more sophisticated sensors and data gathering
capabilities.
On 19 Oct 1997 the Army's Miracl laser was tested against it. Two beams were
fired, the first of less than one second duration (in order to lock on to the
satellite) and the second of about 10 seconds (in order to kill it). It is
believed the experiment failed, the satellite was not destroyed.
Built by Spectrum Astro Inc
MTSI 3 is about 3 m long and 1 m in diameter
Payload: MWIR camera, SWIR camera, and a visible imaging spectrometer (provided
by Science Applications International Corporation (San Diego, CA)) The vehicle
also has a 12 channel onboard GPS receiver for real time orbit determination.
Ref: #15 - update: 24.12.10