Cygnus Mass Simulator - mass-dimensional layout of the space truck Signus . April 21, 2013 was put into orbit by the first test launch of the private launch vehicle Antares . The launch was carried out from the LP-0A launch site of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island .
| Cygnus Mass Simulator | |
|---|---|
 Cygnus Mass Simulator - Side View | |
| Satellite | Of the earth |
| Launch pad |  Wallops / MARS LA0A |
| Carrier rocket | Antares 110 |
| Launch | April 21, 2013 21:00 UTC |
| NSSDC ID | 2013-016A |
| SCN | 39142 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | ≈ 3800 kg |
| Orbit elements | |
| Mood | 51.6 ° |
| Period of treatment | 87.6 minutes |
| Apocenter | 168.3 km |
| Pericenter | 159.9 km |
The mass of the mock-up (≈3800 kg) corresponded to the mass of the Signus space truck developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation . The model was put into orbit 250 × 300 km with an inclination of 51.6 degrees [1] .
Together, the Cygnus Mass Simulator in space also went to four Andrews Space nanosatellites [2] , three of which, Alexander, Bell, Graham, were created using the NASA PhoneSat program and use an ordinary smartphone as an on-board computer [3] .
The launch of the layout was another milestone in the COTS program - NASA's program for the delivery of cargo and crew to the International Space Station with the help of private companies [4] .
Notes
- ↑ Antares A-ONE Test Launch Mission Overview . Orbital Sciences (2013). The appeal date is April 11, 2013. Archived May 1, 2013.
- ↑ Lindsey, Clark Spaceflight Services installs four nanosats on Antares rocket . NewSpaceWatch (March 21, 2013). Archived May 1, 2013.
- ↑ The Antares rocket successfully launched the Cygnus truck layout . ria.ru (04/22/2013). Archived April 22, 2013.
- ↑ Space Act Agreement Amendment Seven Between NASA and Orbital Sciences Corporation for COTS . NASA (March 2012). Archived May 1, 2013.