Engineering:USA-205

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Short description: Satellite operated by the United States Missile Defense Agency
USA-205
USA 205 launch.jpg
Launch of a Delta II rocket carrying an experimental satellite (STSS-ATRR) for the Missile Defense Agency.
NamesSTSS-ATRR
Block 2010 Spacecraft Risk Reduction
Mission typeU.S. military technology demonstration
OperatorMissile Defense Agency / United States Air Force
COSPAR ID2009-023A
SATCAT no.34903
Start of mission
Launch date5 May 2009, 20:24:25 UTC
RocketDelta II 7920-10C
(Delta D341)
Launch siteVandenberg Air Force Base , SLC-2W
ContractorUnited Launch Alliance
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeSun-synchronous orbit
Inclination97.8°
 

USA-205,[1] also known as Space Tracking and Surveillance System-Advanced Technology Risk Reduction (STSS-ATRR), and previously as Block 2010 Spacecraft Risk Reduction is a satellite formerly operated by the United States Missile Defense Agency. It was launched to demonstrate new technology for missile detection early warning systems (MDEWS).[1] The technology demonstrated on STSS-ATRR was used in the development of the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) part of the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS).[2]

It was launched on a Delta II 7920-10C launch vehicle from Space Launch Complex 2W (SLC-2W) at the Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California , at 20:24:25 UTC on 5 May 2009 into a Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). The launch was conducted by United Launch Alliance.[3]

Operational and administrative control of the Space Tracking and Surveillance System-Advanced Technology Risk Reduction (STSS-ATRR) satellite was transferred to Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), effective 31 January 2011. In addition to successfully demonstrating required on orbit system performance parameters for a prototype sensor technology, STSS-ATRR conducted Space Situational Awareness and related operations on an as-capable basis.[4]

References