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MICROSAT 1 (21580)
COSPAR: 1991-051A | Alt Name: Microsat 1
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 17, 1991
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
RW04/22
Launch Vehicle
Pegasus/HAPS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
21580
International Designator
1991-051A
Decay Date
1/23/1992
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MICROSAT 1
Alternative Name
Microsat 1
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
DARPA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
MICROSAT 1, also known as Microsat 1, is an experimental communication satellite owned by DARPA and manufactured by DSI. Launched on July 17, 1991, from AFWTR using a Pegasus/HAPS launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and a diameter and span of 0.5 meters each. The spacecraft weighs 21 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 19 kilograms. It is powered by solar cells and batteries and features a cold gas N2 propulsion system for maneuvering. Equipped with a 1 UHF transponder digital store-and-forward communications system, it was designed to serve as an experimental communication platform. The satellite has a cylindrical shape and a radar cross-section of 0.26 square meters. Its planned lifetime was four years but only achieved one year in orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
0.5
Span
0.5
Dry Mass
19
Launch Mass
21
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.26
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Microsat 1
Purpose
Experimental communication
Mission
Experimental communication
Manufacturer
DSI
Life Expectancy
4 years (planned); 1 year (achieved)
Bus
Picostar
Configuration
PicoStar
Motor
Cold gas N2 propulsion
Equipment
1 UHF transponder digital store and forward communications system
Power System
Solar cellsm batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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