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MTS A (Explorer 46)
Explorer 46 (MTS A) [NASA]
The objectives of the MTS (Meteroid Technology Satellite) were to measure the meteoroid penetration rates in the bumper-protected target, and to obtain data on meteoroid velocity and flux distribution. The central hub of the satellite was 3.20 m long and carried the velocity and impact experiments. Bumper targets extended from the satellite, giving it an overall width of 7.015 m.
A back-up had been built, but was not launched and is now in the collection of the Smithsonian.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Research |
| Operator: | NASA |
| Contractors: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Configuration: | Octagonal prism mounted on FW-4S stage, 4 deployable target wings |
| Propulsion: | None in orbit |
| Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | 90 kg |
| Orbit: | 496 km × 814 km, 37.7° |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 46 (MTS A) | 1972-061A | 13.08.1972 | WI LA-3 | Scout-D1 | ||
| MTS back-up | - | not launched |
References:
- NSSDC Master Catalog: Meteoroid Technology Satellite
Further Explorer missions:
