NEXTSat
In this article, we will explore in depth all the facets related to NEXTSat, addressing its importance in different contexts and analyzing its possible implications for our daily lives. Throughout history, NEXTSat has played a crucial role in the development of various disciplines, and its relevance continues to be debated today. From its origins to its evolution in the modern era, we will examine its influence on society, culture, science, technology and many other aspects of our daily lives. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we aim to shed light on the different aspects that make up NEXTSat, delving into its implications and offering a comprehensive vision that allows us to understand its scope and relevance today.
| Mission type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | DARPA |
| COSPAR ID | 2007-006C |
| SATCAT no. | 30774 |
| Mission duration | 4 months |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | RS-300 |
| Manufacturer | Ball Aerospace |
| Launch mass | 224 kilograms (494 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 9 March 2007, 03:10 UTC |
| Rocket | Atlas V 401 AV-013 |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-41 |
| Contractor | United Launch Alliance |
| End of mission | |
| Disposal | Decommissioned |
| Deactivated | 21 July 2007 |
| Decay date | 21 April 2023 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Eccentricity | 0.00058 |
| Perigee altitude | 490 kilometers (300 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 498 kilometers (309 mi) |
| Inclination | 46.0 degrees |
| Period | 94.5 minutes |
| Epoch | 8 May 2007, 22:10:00 UTC[1] |
NEXTSat, or Next Generation Satellite and Commodities Spacecraft (NEXTSat/CSC) was an American technology demonstration satellite which was operated as part of the Orbital Express programme. It was used as a target spacecraft for a demonstration of autonomous servicing and refueling operations performed by the ASTRO satellite.[2] Launched in March 2007, it was operated for four months, and then deactivated in orbit.
NEXTSat was launched by United Launch Alliance on an Atlas V 401 rocket; serial number AV-013. The launch occurred at 03:10 UTC on 9 March 2007, from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.[3] The launch was contracted by the Space Test Program to launch the STPSat-1 spacecraft, and was named STP-1. It also deployed ASTRO; as well as FalconSAT-3, CFESat and MidSTAR-1.[2] The launch marked the first time United Launch Alliance had launched an Atlas V, the type having previously been operated by International Launch Services.
NEXTSat was a 224-kilogram (494 lb) spacecraft,[2] which was built by Ball Aerospace around the RS-300 satellite bus.[4] It was operated in low Earth orbit; on 9 March 2007, it had a perigee of 490 kilometres (300 mi), an apogee of 498 kilometres (309 mi), 46.0 degrees of inclination, and an orbital period of 94.49 minutes.[5] After completing operations, the ASTRO and NEXTSat spacecraft were separated, and ASTRO performed a separation burn. On 21 July 2007, NEXTSat was deactivated. As of 2007, it was expected to remain in orbit until around 2012.[6] The satellite decayed from orbit on 21 April 2023.[7]
References
- ^ "NASA - NSSDCA - Spacecraft - Trajectory Details". nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
- ^ a b c Krebs, Gunter. "NEXTSAT/CSC". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
- ^ Krebs, Gunter. "Ball: RS-300". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Satellite Catalog". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
- ^ Clark, Stephen (23 July 2007). "Satellite in-space servicing demo mission a success". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
- ^ "OE (NEXTSAT)". N2YO.com. 21 April 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
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