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RME
USA 52
USA 52
Credit: Manufacturer Image
American military strategic defense satellite. USA 52. The Relay Mirror Experiment (RME) was launched as a dual payload with LACE. SDI Experiments satellite built by Ball Aerospace for SDIO, USA. Launched 1990.

AKA: Relay Mirror Experiment. Status: Operational 1990. First Launch: 1990-02-14. Last Launch: 1990-02-14. Number: 1 . Gross mass: 1,040 kg (2,290 lb).

Both satellites carried defense experiments intended to aid in design of space-based anti-missile lasers. RME validated stabilization, tracking, and pointing technologies at performance levels required for Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) missions through a credible demonstration of a space-based relay mirror system. RME's 24-inch mirror was used to test laser pointing technology by deflecting ground-based beams back to earth.

RME's attitude control system malfunctioned immediately after launch, shutting off a reaction wheel. Nevertheless the Maui Optical Observatory atop Mount Haleakala established the first relay on 26 June 1991, with Kihei, Hawaii. The precision relay mirror was 24 in. (61 cm) and had a pointing accuracy of 0.2 arcsec. The payload also included the Wideband Angular Vibration Experiment (WAVE), which measured low-level angular vibrations affecting performance of acquisition, tracking, and pointing (ATP) systems.


More at: RME.

Family: Military, Military strategic defense sat. Country: USA. Launch Vehicles: Thor, Delta, Delta 2 6000, Delta 6920-8. Launch Sites: Cape Canaveral, Cape Canaveral LC17B. Agency: SDIO, Ball. Bibliography: 2, 279, 6, 11696.

1990 During the Year - .
1990 February 14 - . 16:15 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC17B. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Delta 6920-8.

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