Launch Failure
Liftoff Time (GMT)
19:59:00
Monday August 2, 1993
SRM exploded due to damage caused during maintenance on ground
These satellites are the dispenser satellites for the NOSS-2 triplet ocean surveillance satellites. They consist of the TLD (Titan Launch Dispenser) propulsion module, the SLDCOM (Satellite Launch Dispenser Communications) UHF communication payload. After deploying the three improved Parcae (NOSS-2) payloads to a 1100 km × 1100 km, 63.4° orbit, the satellites maneuvered to a 1100 km × 9000 km, 64.3° orbit.
1 Payload
The improved Parcae satellites (also known by the unofficial designation NOSS-2 (Naval Ocean Surveillance System)) is the second generation of NOSS satellites. These satellites carry ELINT equipment to pinpoint and track ships and aircraft via their radio transmissions. Positions of the origin of the transmissions are determined by triangulation. Each launch consists of three satellites of similar size in the same orbit. All three satellites maneuver to stationkeep relative to one another.
3 Payloads
Manufacturer
LockheedRocket
Height: 54m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 17,700 kg
Liftoff Thrust
14,200 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 5.1m
Stages
2
Strap-ons
2
7th
Mission
1st
Mission of 1993
51st
Orbital launch attempt