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SME (12887)
COSPAR: 1981-100A | Alt Name: Solar Mesosphere Explorer
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 6, 1981
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 2310
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12887
International Designator
1981-100A
Decay Date
3/5/1991
Basic Satellite Info
Name
SME
Alternative Name
Solar Mesosphere Explorer
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JPL/CLASP
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME), designated 1981-100A and NORAD_CAT_ID 12887, was launched on October 6, 1981, from the AFWTR SLC2W launch pad using a Delta 2310 rocket. Manufactured by BALL, the satellite is owned by JPL/CLASP and designed for research purposes. It has dimensions of 1.8 meters in length, 1.3 meters in diameter, and spans 2.2 meters, with a dry mass of 437 kg, which matches its launch mass. The shape is described as Cyl + Disk, and it utilizes solar cells and batteries for power generation. Its RCS (Reflectivity Cross Section) value is 7.4635, indicating its reflective properties in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.8
Diameter
1.3
Span
2.2
Dry Mass
437
Launch Mass
437
Shape
Cyl + Disk
Radar Cross Section
7.4635
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Solar Mesosphere Explorer
Purpose
Research
Mission
Research
Manufacturer
BALL
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
SME
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
?
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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