GeoLITE [NRO]
GeoLITE (Geosynchronous Lightweight Technology Experiment) was an advanced, experimental communications satellite featuring Laser and UHF communication devices. It is operated by the NRO.
GeoLITE was the first mission for TRW's T-310 satellite bus, a new lightweight, highly stable platform capable of a range of missions. TRW had system integration responsibility for GeoLITE, including the satellite development, integration and preparation for launch. Teammates included the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory, which was responsible for the laser communications payload, and Hughes Space and Communications Company, which was responsible for the UHF communications payload
The laser communications experiments consisted of:
The UHF payload was part of the IBS-S (Integrated Broadcast Service - Simplex) inteligence data dissemination architecture to replace the older military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) archtecture. Other IBS-S payloads were flown on different missions to provide geostationary and polar coverage.
The satellite was designed and built in 3 1/2 years using streamlined program methodologies.
Note: The NROL designations refer to the launch, not to the payload.
Nation: | USA |
---|---|
Type / Application: | Communication (Experimental) |
Operator: | NRO |
Contractors: | TRW (prime); Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory (laser payload); Hughes (IBS-S payload) |
Equipment: | GLT, GLOM, IBS-S |
Configuration: | T310 |
Propulsion: | TR-500 SCAT |
Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
Lifetime: | 9 years |
Mass: | ca. 1800 kg |
Orbit: | GEO |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GeoLITE (USA 158, NROL 17) | 2001-020A | 18.05.2001 | CC SLC-17B | Delta-7925 |