NSSDCA ID: SPATN-B
Spartan consists of low-cost, Shuttle-launched, short-duration, sounding-rocket-type payloads. The payloads are retrievable and reusable with a turnaround time of approximately 6 to 9 months. Spartan has relatively few operational interfaces with STS. It operates as an autonomous sub-satellite, and the data are stored on an internal tape recorder. Pointing and stabilization are achieved by an Attitude Control System (ACS) capable of plus or minus 30 arcsec accuracy. Spartan-B carries instruments that are used (1) to probe the physics of the acceleration of the solar wind by measuring temperatures, particle densities, and velocities between 1.5 and 6 solar radii; (2) to map X-rays emanating from clusters of galaxies and explore the center of our galaxy; and (3) conduct a far ultraviolet survey of selected star fields such as the Magellanic Clouds and the Andromeda Galaxy. Network support of Spartan-B will consist of C-band radar tracking from various ground stations. For detailed information, see Mission Requirements and Data Systems Support Forecast, STDN No. 803, Dec/Jan 1989-1990, GSFC, NASA.
Launch Date: 1992-07-09
Launch Vehicle: Shuttle
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Mass: 1100 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Dr. H. Kent Hills
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Mr. John H. Lane | Mission Manager | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | |
Dr. Werner M. Neupert | Project Scientist | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | werner.neupert@noaa.gov |
Mr. John A. Glaab | Program Manager | NASA Headquarters | |
Dr. Richard H. Munro | Mission Scientist | High Altitude Observatory | rmunro@ball.comrmunro@solar.stanford.edu |
Mr. John L. Kohl | Mission Scientist | Harvard College Observatory | jkohl@cfa.harvard.edu |
Dr. J. David Bohlin | Program Scientist | NASA Headquarters |