TERRIERS

USA

Tomographic Experiment using Radiative Recombinative Ionospheric EUV and Radio Sources
Also called Explorer 76, STEDI 2 and UNEX 02

Launch data:

Designation	25735 / 99026A
Launch date	18 May 1999
Launch site	Va, L-1011
Launch vehicle	Pegasus-XL/HAPS #27
Mission	Scientific: ionosphere study
Sun-synchronous Earth orbit:
Perigee/Apogee	550 km sunsynchronous (9:00)
Inclination	97.7°
Period

After launch the satellite experienced attitude control problems causing the battery to discharge.

End of life

Out of service	yes?
Cause
Decay

Specifications

Prime contractor	Boston University
Platform	Aeroastro
Mass at launch	125 kg
Mass in orbit
Dimension
Solar array
Stabilization	spin stabilized
DC power	31 W
Design lifetime	1 year

The satellite bus is being built by AeroAstro while the instrument package is produced by the Center for Space Physics at Boston University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champain (UIUC). Cleveland Heights High School is also constructing a small experiment to go on the satellite.

Terriers primary goal is to, for the first time, demonstrate meridional 2D (latitude-altitude) and global 3D imaging of the ionospheric electron density and thermospheric photo-emission profiles using EUV emissions and tomographic techniques. Secondary goals of Terriers focus on the study of several ionospheric and thermospheric phenomena through the use of this novel combination of techniques and observations. As a tertiary goal, Terriers will test the utility of long term solar EUV irradiance measurements using a new technique that we have recently proven on a sounding rocket. GISSMO measures the solar EUV, one of the primary sources for the upper atmosphere.

Telemetry: 2.2729 GHz
Might also use 150/400 MHz

Ref: #15, #27 - update: 15.07.04