NSSDCA ID: SPATN-H
The Spartan series 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 capable of three-axis stabilized pointing to any target within +/- 3 arc-minutes. The main objective of this spacecraft was to obtain UV spectra of the coma and tail of Comet Halley in January 1986 shortly before its perihelion. This spacecraft failed when Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on launch.
Launch Date: 1986-01-28
Launch Vehicle: Shuttle
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Werner M. Neupert | Project Scientist | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | werner.neupert@noaa.gov |
Mr. R. Morgan Windsor | Mission Manager | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | |
Mr. John A. Glaab | Program Manager | NASA Headquarters | |
Mr. Henry C. Brinton | Program Scientist | NASA Headquarters |