MightySat

The MightySat series of military satellites were launched to undertake technology objectives. These satellites did not receive a designation in the S-for-Satellite series.

MightySat-1

Photo: Author's collection

MightySat-1 (1998 069C)

Launched on 15 December 1998, MightySat-1 was a 60 kg satellite to test advanced technologies for autonomous micro satellites. The experiments were:

• the Advanced Solar Cell Experiment (ASCE) which tested the performance of a new type of solar cell
• the Microsystem and Packaging for Low Power Electronics (MAPLE) demonstration of advanced electronics and electronics packaging systems
• the Shape-Memory Actuated Release Device (SMARD) to demonstrate a new class of low shock release devices
• the Micro-Particle Impact Detector (MPID) to measure the impact of orbital debris

Also known as P97-2, the satellite was spring released from a Hitchiker canister on STS-88 Space Shuttle flight.

MightySat 2-1

Image: Author's collection

MightySat 2-1 (2000 042A)

Also known as P99-1 and Sindri, MightySat 2-1 was a 120 kg technology satellite to test advanced space systems technologies. It was launched on 19 July 2000. The instruments included:

• the Solar Array Concentrator (SAC) which focuses more light on each solar cell, thereby increasing the solar energy available
• the Naval Research Laboratory Space Ground Link System Transponder (NSX), an experimental light weight communications system
• the Shape Memory Thermal Tailoring Experiment (SMATTE), an experimental thermal control system
• the Quad C40 Processor, to test the impact of space radiation on new forms of microelectronics
• the Fourier Transform Hyperspectral Imager (FTHSI) to record the full spectra without time delays

In addition the spacebus itself demonstrated new technology in flexibility, modularity and thermal control whilst on 7 September 2001 it released the Picasat-7 and -8 nanosatellites.

Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 3