SMM (Solarmax)

 

SMM [NASA]

SMM (Solar Maximum Mission) was a solar observatory, which featured 7 instruments for solar observation:

It was based on Fairchilds MMS bus, making it the first space craft designed for in space servicing.

In december 1980, the attitude control system failed due to a fuse failure. The satellite was repaired by astronauts of the 11th Shuttle mission, making it the first satellite to be repaired on orbit. It was originally planned to be returned to earth in 1990 by another space Shuttle to be refurbished as the EUVE satellite, but these plans were finally cancelled.

 

Nation: USA
Type / Application: Solar observatory
Operator: NASA
Contractors: Fairchild
Equipment: GRS, ACRIM-1, CP, HXRBS, HXIS, UVSP, XRP
Configuration: MMS
Propulsion:
Lifetime:
Mass: 2268
Orbit: 566 km x 569 km, 28.5°

 

Satellite Date LS   Launcher Remarks:
SMM (Solarmax) 14.02.1980 CC LC-17A Delta-3910

 

Last update: 27.09.2009
Contact: gunter.krebs@skyrocket.de
© Gunter Dirk Krebs