MSTI-2

Jump to: Mission Objectives, Mission Instrumentation, Mission Parameters, Additional Information

Mission Photos:

Courtesy of Air Force Research Laboratory

Mission Objectives:

The first satellite in the Miniature Sensor Technology Integration MSTI series, MSTI-1, was launched into low earth orbit (LEO) 21 November 1992 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on a NASA SCOUT booster and succeeded in meeting all primary mission objectives. The spacecraft operated in its 400-km polar orbit until the spring of 1993. The MSTI-1 spacecraft weighed just 150 kg and was built for $19M in less than twelve months. The mission paved the way for the more sophisticated detection and tracking payload on MSTI-2.

The second MSTI satellite, MSTI-2, was launched into low earth orbit on 8 May 1994, aboard the last NASA SCOUT booster. The six month primary mission of the satellite was to demonstrate theater ballistic missile (TBM) tracking. The 170 kg MSTI-2 was injected into a 355 km x 455 km polar orbit and then executed an orbit raise to its final orbit, 432 km circular, sun-synchronous, 97.13-degree inclination. On May 8, MSTI-2 successfully acquired and tracked a Minuteman III launched from Vandenberg AFB.

Mission Instrumentation:

MSTI-2 has the following instrumentation onboard:

1. Short wavelength infrared camera
2. Medium wavelength infrared camera
3. Retroreflector array

Mission Parameters:

Additional Information:

• Federation of American Scientists (FAS)
• Air Force Research Laboratory

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Author: Mark Torrence
Maintained by: Carey Noll