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MSD
NOSS-MSD with three NOSS
satellites attached
MSD (Multiple Satellite Dispenser) were dispensers for the Parcae (NOSS) satellite triplets.
These satellites were developed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Each launch on top of an modified Atlas-E/F rocket consisted of the MSD mother satellite, which also acted as an upper stage for the stack using an integrated FW-4D solid rocket motor. In orbit, three NOSS satellites were separated and flew together in a triangle formation.
Around the base of the cylindrical MSD was a jettisonable plume shield to protect the NOSS subsatellites. In three launches these plume shields were modified to function as low-cost experimental satellites under the designation LIPS.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Ocean Surveillance Launch Dispenser |
| Operator: | ? |
| Contractors: | Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) (#1, 2); ? (#3 - 9) |
| Equipment: | ? |
| Configuration: | ? |
| Propulsion: | FW-4D ? |
| Power: | |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: | 1050 km × 1150 km, 63° (typical) |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSD 1 (NRL-PL 180) | 1976-038A | 30.04.1976 | Va SLC-3W | Atlas-F MSD | with Parcae 1A, Parcae 1B, Parcae 1C | |
| MSD 2 (NRL-PL 190) | 1977-112A | 08.12.1977 | Va SLC-3W | Atlas-F MSD | with Parcae 2A, Parcae 2B, Parcae 2C | |
| MSD 3 | 1980-019A | 03.03.1980 | Va SLC-3W | Atlas-F MSD | with Parcae 3A, Parcae 3B, Parcae 3C | |
| MSD 4 | 1980-F03 | 09.12.1980 | Va SLC-3W | F | Atlas-E MSD | with Parcae 4A, Parcae 4B, Parcae 4C, LIPS 1 |
| MSD 5 | 1983-008A | 09.02.1983 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | with Parcae 5A, Parcae 5B, Parcae 5C, LIPS 2 | |
| MSD 6 | 1983-056A | 09.06.1983 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | with Parcae 6A, Parcae 6B, Parcae 6C | |
| MSD 7 | 1984-012A | 05.02.1984 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | with Parcae 7A, Parcae 7B, Parcae 7C | |
| MSD 8 (USA 15) | 1986-014A | 09.02.1986 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | with Parcae 8A, Parcae 8B, Parcae 8C | |
| MSD 9 (USA 22) | 1987-043A | 15.05.1987 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | with Parcae 9A, Parcae 9B, Parcae 9C, LIPS 3 |
Further NOSS missions:
