FASTSAT-HSV 01

FASTSAT-HSV 01 [NASA]

FASTSAT-HSV (Fast Affordable Science and Technology Satellite - Huntsville) is small technological satellite to test out cow-cost technologies for rapidly built small satellite missions. It was built by the Von Braun Center for Space Innovation (VCSI) in Huntsville Alabama in partnership with Dynetics Incorporated and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville Alabama. Operation of the satellite is conducted from the Mission Operations Center (MOC) at MSFC.

The satellite will carry six small payloads, including three technology demonstration experiments and three atmospheric research instruments.

• Nanosail D - a technology experiment to demonstrate FASTSAT's ability to deploy a nanosatellite into space;
• Threat Detection System;
• Miniature Star Tracker;
• Thermosphere Temperature Imager, designed to measure spacecraft drag and other flight characteristics;
• MINI-ME - a low-energy neutral atom imager that will detect neutral atoms formed in the plasma population of the Earth's outer atmosphere to improve global space weather prediction;
• Plasma and Impedance Spectrum Analyzer - a device that will test a new measurement technique for the type and density of thermal electrons in the ionosphere - which can interfere with radio-based communications and navigation.

FASTSAT-HSV 01 was launched on 20.11.2010 from Kodiak on a Minotaur-4 HAPS rocket. The Nanosail D was to be ejected on 06.12.2010, but it failed to leave its deployer. Nanosail-D was then spontaneously ejected on 19.01.2011.