FASTSAT-HSV01 (USA 220)

Description

FASTSAT-HSV01 (Fast Affordable Science and Technology Satellite), a NASA microsatellite also known as USA 220, was launched from Kodiak at 01:25 UT on 20 November 2010 by a Minotaur 4 rocket. It is a 140 kg microsatellite, which is expected to operate for 180 days. It will test a Threat Detection System and a Miniature Star Tracker for the US Air Force Research Laboratory. FASTSAT carries several experiments and will also deploy another satellite. NanoSail-D2, that will replace the failed NanoSail-D, will be released seven days after launch. NanoSail-D2 is a three-unit CubeSat, measuring 30 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm, and will deploy a solar sail with an area of ten square meters. The spacecraft will use an S-Band transponder to communicate with Earth, and also carries a beacon broadcasting at 437.270 MHz. These will be activated before separation from FASTSAT, and are expected to operate until the spacecraft runs out of power, which will probably happen around 12 days after launch.