MITEx NRL Upper Stage [DARPA]
The MITEx (Micro-Satellite Technology Experiment) experiment contains also an experimental upper stage developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
This stage will put several new technologies to the test including:
The stage ferried the two MiTEx satellites from the egg-shaped geosynchronous transfer orbit reached by the Delta-7925 rocket to the circular geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above the equator. That high orbit allows spacecraft to match the planet's rotation and appear fixed over one location.
Once arriving in geostationary orbit, the satellite pair was deployed from the stage to begin independent lives examining the value of operating miniature craft from such a high vantage point above Earth. The demonstration gave military planners real-life experience to draw upon when designing new projects.
Nation: | USA |
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Type / Application: | Technology |
Operator: | DARPA |
Contractors: | Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) |
Equipment: | |
Configuration: | |
Propulsion: | |
Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | |
Orbit: | GEO |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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MITEx NRL Upper Stage (USA 189) | 2006-024C | 21.06.2006 | CC SLC-17A | Delta-7925 | with MITEx A, MITEx B |