NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

STSS Demo

Launch Time
Fri Sep 25, 2009 12:20 UTC

Rocket

Delta II 7920-10C
Image Credit: ULA
ULA
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 3,511 kN
Payload to LEO: 4,844 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 9
Rocket Height: 38.9 m
Fairing Diameter: 3.0 m
Fairing Height: 8.9 m

Mission Details

STSS Demo

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.

Payloads: 2
Total Mass: 2,244.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-17B, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

2009

55th orbital launch attempt

United Launch Alliance

32nd mission
11th mission of 2009
31st successful mission
27th consecutive successful mission

Delta II

145th mission
6th mission of 2009
143rd successful mission
90th consecutive successful mission