NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Vector Sum Experiment (USA-19)

Launch Time
Fri Sep 05, 1986 15:08 UTC

Rocket

Delta 3920
Image Credit: USAF or NASA
US Air Force
Status: Retired
Payload to LEO: 3,452 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 9

Mission Details

Vector Sum Experiment (USA-19)

The VSE (Vector Sum Experiment) or Delta 180 was the first of the Delta / SDI missions. It involved the placement of a Delta second stage and a Payload Assist System (PAS) in two 120-nautical-mile-high time-synchronous orbits with slightly different inclinations. The overall objectives of the mission were to:

Payloads: 1
Low Earth Orbit

Location

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

Stats

1986

74th orbital launch attempt

Delta 3000 Series

34th mission
2nd mission of 1986
32nd successful mission
1st consecutive successful mission