ITV 1 & 2 (USA-13 & USA-14)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

02:35:00

Friday December 13, 1985

Mission Details

ITV 1 & 2 (USA-13 & USA-14)

Wiki

After the successful intercept of the Solwind satellite by an ASAT missile, the USAF launched two ITV (Instrumented Target Vehicle) dedicated target satellites. They consisted of a cylindrical body and an inflatable balloon, which carried impact detectors to assess the impact of the kinetic ASAT kill vehicle (MHV). The ITV balloons were inflated by a hydrazine monopropellant / ruthenium catalyst gas generator. This was calculated to inflate, heat and maintain the Kevlar balloon at the desired infrared signature required for the ASAT homing vehicle's sensor. Data from a variety of sensors on the external surface of the balloon were telemetered back to ground stations. The few frames of data that would be received between inflation and intercept allowed the balloon's infrared signature and the geometry of the impact by the interceptor to be determined.

Low Earth Orbit

2 Payloads

164 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Scout G1

Active 1979 to 1994

Vought logo

Manufacturer

Vought

Rocket

Height: 21m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 210 kg

GTO: 0 kg

Liftoff Thrust

622 Kilonewtons

Stages

4

Launch Site

SLC-5

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

11 days 17 hours

Stats

Scout


87th

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1985

1985


118th

Orbital launch attempt