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Research Payload Module 481
Research Payload Module 481 [USAF]
Research Payload Module 481 was a piggy-back payload attached to the aft rack of an Agena-D stage to test out heat pipe cooling systems. It was built by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
Module 481 was attached to the Agena-D stage, which was to put ATS 2 into a medium altitude circular orbit, but due to a proulsion failure, it was stranded in an elliptical transfer orbit. Although the main payload's mission was compromised, the orbit was sufficient to conduct the Module 481 heat pipe experiment.
It reentered the atmosphere on 29 June 1968.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Technology |
| Operator: | Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) |
| Contractors: | Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) |
| Equipment: | Heat pipe experiment |
| Configuration: | Payload attached to Agena-D stage |
| Propulsion: | none in orbit |
| Power: | Batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: | 161 km × 10731 km, 28.47° |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Payload Module 481 | 1967-031B | 06.04.1967 | CC LC-12 | P | Atlas-SLV3 Agena-D | with ATS 2 |
