Last week Orbital Sciences’ Pegasus rocket successfully launched three small scientific spacecraft for NASA’s Space Technology 5 (ST5) programme following air launch from its Lockheed L-1011 TriStar carrier, which took off from Vandenberg AFB, California. The three 25kg (55lb) ST5 spacecraft were accurately delivered into elliptical orbits at an inclination of 105.6° to the equator. Preliminary ST5 spacecraft data indicates that all three are operating as expected. The three spacecraft will test new micro-spacecraft technologies and operations’ techniques.
Source: Flight International
