Status
Success
Nova
Launch Time
Fri May 15, 1981 06:07 UTC
Fri May 15, 1981 06:07 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
Nova
The Nova satellites are improved Transit satellites, slightly improved operational versions of the TIP 2/3 design.
This series was improved by the addition of magnetic damping to the DISCOS and a stiffening to the boom assembly, reference clock, computer capacity, 6 m gravity boom, S/C mass was 166 kg. The NOVA satellites used the electric propulsion system (Pulsed plasma thrusters system) of the TIP series satellites to compensate for drag with thruster firings. The NOVA satellites had operational lifetimes of 8 to 9 years.
The satellites were used operationally in the Transit navigation system.
Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 170.0 kg
Polar Orbit
Location
SLC-5, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA
Stats
1981
46th orbital launch attempt
Scout
83rd mission
1st mission of 1981
70th successful mission
32nd consecutive successful mission