USA-221
| Mission type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | USAFA |
| COSPAR ID | 2010-062E |
| SATCAT no. | 37226 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | 180 kilograms (400 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 20 November 2010, 01:25:00 UTC Kodiak LP-1 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Perigee altitude | 633 kilometres (393 mi)[2] |
| Apogee altitude | 654 kilometres (406 mi)[2] |
| Inclination | 71.90 degrees[2] |
| Period | 97.60 minutes[2] |
| Epoch | 20 November 2010[2] |
USA-221, also known as FalconSat-5, is an American military
FalconSat spacecraft to be launched, it carries four technology development and ionospheric research experiments. The satellite was constructed and is operated by the United States Air Force Academy
.
Spacecraft
USA-221 is a 180-kilogram (400 lb) spacecraft, measuring 70 centimetres (28 in) by 64 centimetres (25 in) by 54 centimetres (21 in).[3] It operates in a low Earth orbit with an apogee of 654 kilometres (406 mi), a perigee of 633 kilometres (393 mi), and 72 degrees of orbital inclination.[2]
The
VHF bands, to determine the levels and effects of ionospheric interference.[4]
SmartMESA, also known as the Integrated Miniaturized ElectroStatic Analyzer, and WISPERS were respectively ranked as the 26th and 31st most important experiments for DoD satellites in 2006, by the US Space Experiments Review Board.
Launch
USA-221 was launched from
Kodiak Launch Complex, using a Minotaur IV carrier rocket with a HAPS upper stage; however USA-221 was deployed prior to ignition of the HAPS stage. The Minotaur was launched at 01:25:00 UTC on 20 November 2010,[1]
with FalconSat-5 separating into its low Earth orbit just over 25 minutes later.
The launch also carried
RAX.[1]
Collectively, the deployment mission was designated STP-S26, and marked the third flight of the Minotaur IV.
References
- ^ a b c McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
- ^ Kramer, Herbert J. "FalconSat-5". eoPortal Directory. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
- ^ Krebs, Gunter. "FalconSat 5". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
