The space test program P80-2 spacecraft was to be an Ascent
Agena (similar to SEASAT) which is modified to carry orbital
experiments on the forward structure. High electric power requirements are met by flexible
roll-out solar array panels which extend from the Agena. The twilight sun-synchronous
orbit allows deployment of the array perpendicular to the insolation vector. Experiment
data may be read out by ground stations or may be recorded for subsequent transmission to
the ground stations. The investigations will test a deep-space-viewing infrared telescope
with active cryogenic refrigeration, and measure solar flare isotopic composition. P80-2
would have been launched by an Atlas-F
Agena-D launch vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base.
