MiTEx

MiTEx launching from CCAFS on a Delta II.
MiTEx mission patch

The Micro-satellite Technology Experiment (MiTEx) is a microsatellite-based mission launched into geosynchronous orbit 21 June 2006 aboard a Delta II rocket. The USAF described the mission as a joint "technology demonstration" mission for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the United States Air Force (USAF) and the United States Navy (US Navy).[1][2]

MiTEx consists of three spacecraft; two inspection satellites, designated USA-187 and USA-188, and an experimental upper stage, designated USA-189.[3] The two inspection satellites were initially used to inspect each other; however, they were later used to inspect DSP-23, a failed missile detection satellite, to find out why it stopped operating.[4]

The MiTEx goal was to demonstrate technologies such as lightweight power and propulsion systems, avionics, structures, commercial off-the-shelf components, advanced communications, and on-orbit software environments.[5]

  1. ^ "Cape launches Delta II, MiTEx satellite". USAF. 23 June 2006. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ Osborn, Michael; Clauss, Craig; Gorin, Barney; Netwall, Chris (18 June 2012). "Micro-Satellite Technology Experiment (MiTEx) Upper Stage Propulsion System Development". AIAA Journal. 43rd AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference (Rocket-Based Propulsion): 1. doi:10.2514/6.2007-5434. ISBN 978-1-62410-011-6 – via The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
  3. ^ "SPACEWARN Bulletin No. 632". NASA GSFC. 1 July 2006. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference covault-20090114 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Ray, Justin (22 June 2006). "Experimental Military Microsatellites Reach Orbit". space.com. Retrieved 7 June 2024.