Thrusted Vector Experiment (USA-30)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

22:07:00

Monday February 8, 1988

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Mission Details

Thrusted Vector Experiment (USA-30)

TVE (Thrusted Vector Experiment), a.k.a. Delta 181, was the second Delta / SDI mission. Delta 181 involved the placement of a Delta second stage in low-Earth orbit, but it included the deployment of two payloads as the object of a series of experiments in orbit. One of the payloads was a plume generator package (SPX) with a Star-13A motor, and the other was a science package containing eight test objects and four reference objects. A sensor module, consisting of a command and data handling system and seven scientific experiments, remained with the Delta's second stage to scan elements of both packages once they were deployed.

1 Payload

1,800 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Delta 3910

Active 1980 to 1988


Payload to Orbit

GTO: 1,154 kg

Stages

2

Strap-ons

9

Launch Site

SLC-17B

Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Fastest Turnaround

20 days 2 hours

Stats

Delta 3000 Series


37th

Mission

1st

Mission of 1988

1988


9th

Orbital launch attempt