Deployment of ANDE Satellites by STS-116

The Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE) Risk Reduction Mission consists of two spherical spacecraft fitted with retro-reflectors for satellite laser ranging (SLR). Scientific objectives of the ANDE missions include monitoring total neutral density along the orbit for improved orbit determination of space objects, monitoring the spin rate and orientation of the spacecraft to better understand in-orbit dynamics, and to provide a test object for polarimetry studies. The mission will provide objects in low Earth orbit with well-determined ballistic coefficients and radar cross-sections for comprehensive atmospheric modeling. Each mission will include a passive and an active spherical spacecraft in a lead-trail orbit configuration. The passive sphere will be tracked with the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) and SLR to study atmospheric drag and in-track total density. The active sphere will have on-board instrumentation to measure atmospheric density and composition. The active sphere will monitor its position relative to the passive sphere to study drag models. The active satellites will communicate on-board data through a system of modulated retro-reflectors (MRR). Mission Objectives:Provide Total Atmospheric Density for Orbit Determination and Collision Avoidance Space to Ground Optical Communication Demo Validate Fundamental Theories on the Calculation of the Drag Coefficient Provide Calibration Object for Radar Fence Upgrade Establish a Method to Validate Neutral Density and Composition Derived from DMSP Sensors. Active Sphere Instrumentation: Modulating Retro-Reflector (MRR) Array Final layout analysis in progress One hemisphere densely populated One hemisphere with single MRR Thermal Control System (± 5 C) Thermal Monitoring System (TMS) ( ≤ 1C) Global Positioning Sensor (GPS) Wind and Temperature Spectrometer (WATS) (1-46 amu) Backup Communications System Photovoltaic Arrays Lithium Ion Batteries Passive Sphere Instrumentation: Retro-Reflector Array21st December 2006

Channel: Science & Technology
Uploaded: December 21, 2006 at 11:04 pm
Author: BrunoTheQuestionable

Length: 06:05
Rating: 5.00
Views: 4606

Tags: 116  ANDE  Satellites  STS  STS-116  STS116  

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