STSS Demo

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

12:20:00

Friday September 25, 2009

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STSS Demo

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STSS is designed to be the low earth orbiter within the layered Ballistic Missile Defense System. It complements the geosynchronous Defense Support Program, the Space-Based Infrared System, and other Overhead Non-Imaging Infrared systems[11] (ONIR)[12] and provides tracking cues to systems on the surface. The STSS program is developed in phases, the first of which is the launch of two demonstrator satellites. The demonstrators will perform experiments and prove out systems and processes to establish a knowledge base for future operational designs.[13] The demonstration satellites, built by Northrop Grumman and Raytheon detected and tracked a two-stage Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) during a U.S. Missile Defense Agency flight test on June 6, 2010.

Low Earth Orbit

2 Payloads

2,244 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Delta II 7920-10C

Active 1997 to 2017

United Launch Alliance logo

Agency

ULA

Rocket

Height: 38.9m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 4,844 kg

Liftoff Thrust

3,511 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 3m

Height: 8.9m

Stages

2

Strap-ons

9

Launch Site

SLC-17B

Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Fastest Turnaround

20 days 2 hours

Stats

Delta II


145th

Mission

6th

Mission of 2009

United Launch Alliance


32nd

Mission

11th

Mission of 2009

2009


55th

Orbital launch attempt