Mission type | Technology |
---|---|
Operator | AFRL |
COSPAR ID | 1998-069C |
SATCAT no. | 25551[1] |
Spacecraft properties | |
Manufacturer | Spectrum Astro |
Launch mass | 320 kilograms (710 lb)[2] |
Dry mass | 63.5 kilograms (140 lb) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | December 4, 1998 |
Rocket | Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-88) |
Launch site | Kennedy LC-39A |
End of mission | |
Decay date | November 21, 1999, 17:11 | UTC
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Low Earth |
Eccentricity | 0.00095976377 |
Perigee altitude | 388.0 kilometers (241.1 mi) |
Apogee altitude | 401.0 kilometers (249.2 mi) |
Inclination | 51.6& degrees |
Period | 92.4 minutes |
Epoch | January 4, 1999[1] |
MightySat-1 was a small spacecraft developed by the U.S. Air Force's Phillips Laboratory (now part of the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate) to test technology for small satellites, including advanced dual-junction solar cells, a composite structure, a micrometeorite and debris detector, low-power electronics and a low-shock release device.[2] The 140-pound satellite was launched from the Space Shuttle Endeavour in December 1998, during the 12th day of the STS-88 mission[2] and performed robustly in orbit, with no spacecraft anomalies during its mission. Lt. Barbara Braun of the AFRL was the program manager for the satellite.[2]
MightySat-1's mission ended when it re-entered the atmosphere at 17:11 UTC on November 21, 1999.[3]