Subscribe with SteadySESP 1 (P70-1)
SESP 1 in space test chamber [Boeing]
The objective of the SESP 1 (P70-1) spacecraft was to test an infrared celestial mapping sensor system.
The instruments were integrated with the Burner-2 upper stage and remained attached. The mission was designed for a life time of 2 month. The spacecraft was integrated by Boeing, who also built the Burner-2 upper stage.
The experiments were:
- Celestial IR Measurements (SAMSO 001)
This experiment was to measure the spectral variation in the celestial infrared background. The experiment was considered 40% successful and contributed to the development of surveillance satellites. The mass of the experiment was 67 kg - Spacecraft Attitude Sensing Device (SAMSO 203)
The objective of this 2 kg secondary experiment was to test a system for determining the attitude of reentry vehicle. The experiment was a complete success.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Technology, Science, Astronomy (IR) |
| Operator: | US Air Force (USAF) STP (Space Test Program) |
| Contractors: | Boeing |
| Equipment: | Celestial IR experiment, spacecraft attitude sensing device |
| Configuration: | Instruments mounted on upper stage |
| Propulsion: | |
| Power: | Batteries |
| Lifetime: | 2 months |
| Mass: | 260 kg |
| Orbit: | 545 km × 581 km, 90.2 |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SESP 1 (P70-1) | 1971-054A | 08.06.1971 | Va SLC-10W | Thor-DSV2U Burner-2 |
Launch Sites:
- Va = Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, USA
Further STP missions:
