TechSat-21
 Artist's rendition | |
| Mission type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | AFRL, STP, NASA |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | MicroSat Systems |
| Launch mass | 181 kilograms (399 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | Not launched |
| Rocket | Atlas V 401 |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral SLC-41 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Perigee altitude | 560 kilometers (350 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 560 kilometers (350 mi) |
| Inclination | 35.4& degrees |
| Epoch | Planned |
TechSat-21 (Technology Satellite of the 21st Century) was a small spacecraft developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate to test technology for formation flight of spacecraft which can rapidly change formation based on mission requirements.[1] The project was canceled in 2003 due to numerous cost overruns.[2]
References
- ^ Staff Writers (2002-04-16). "MicroSat Systems Contract Raytheon For SAR Payload". Space Daily. Retrieved 2008-07-28.
- ^ Singer, Jeremy (2006-12-07). "DARPA To Solicit Bids for Formation Flying Studies". Space News. Retrieved 2008-07-28.