SHARC

Launch data: Designation  42712 / 98067LT Launch date  18 Apr 2017 - 15:11 UT Launch site  CC, SLC-41 Launch vehicle  Atlas V-401 Mission  Technology, Radar calibration Launch platform  ISS Kibo, LEO Deployment date  17 May 2017 - 12:40 UT Earth orbit: Perigee / Apogee  400 x 404 km Inclination   51.6° Period  92.5 min

Spacecraft data: Prime manufacturer  Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Platform  Cubesat (5U) Operator  Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Mass at launch  8 kg Dry Mass   kg Basic shape   Dimension (m)   Equipment   Solar array  Solar cells Stabilization   Propulsion  None DC power   Design lifetime

The Air Force Research Laboratory successfully deployed its Satellite for High Accuracy Radar Calibration, also known as SHARC, into a low-Earth orbit from ISS

End of live:

Description:

• See Biarri-Point satellite.
• SHARC is a radar calibration satellite for the US Air Force Research Lab; different sources give it as 1x5U or 1x6U.
• SHARC is to demonstrate the capability to perform critical calibration of over 120 TriService C-Band radars. Calibration is needed to meet tracking requirements of orbital objects. It is to demonstrate low latency delivery of data (minutes vs. days). Also it is to investigate the performance of Hypervisor on-orbit for DARPA. It features a GPS system and a C-band return transponder.
• SHARC features the EyeStar communications system, tested on GEARRS, which uses the Globalstar satellite communications network for command and control.
• SHARC apparently also carries equipment, especially a highly precise GPS system, to be tested for the Biarri-Squad constellation and is designated Biarri-Point or Biarri Risk Mitigation Flight in this capacity.

External links:

• USU: Satellite Information