NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1969-069A
ATS 5 (Advanced Technology Satellite 5) was an equatorial-orbiting, synchronous-altitude technology satellite intended to test various communications and earth observational systems. Also included on board were particle, electric field, and magnetic field experiments. Because of a malfunction, the intended gravity-gradient stabilization mechanism could not be deployed, and ATS 5 was stabilized in a spinning mode about the spacecraft Z axis at approximately 71 rpm. All experiments that depended on the planned gravity-gradient stabilization were adversely affected to varying degrees, and the mission was declared a failure. However, some of the science experiments, including the magnetic field monitor and the particle experiments, returned usable data. ATS 5 was positioned at about 105 deg W longitude over the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Launch Date: 1969-08-12
Launch Vehicle: Atlas-Centaur
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Mass: 821 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Mr. Charles M. MacKenzie | Project Manager | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | |
Mr. Don V. Fordyce | Project Manager | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center |