LIPS
Spacecraft · USA
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Credit: US Navy
American tether technology satellite. Research satellite for Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), USA. Launched 1980-1987.
Spacecraft Technology Center developed the Living Plume Shield (LiPS) experiment to convert the plume shield ejected from a primary payload's upper stage into a low cost platform to conduct technology demonstrations. Although the Atlas F launch vehicle for the LiPS I failed on lift-off in 1980, the subsequent LiPS II satellite launched aboard an Atlas H rocket in February 1983 and reached orbit with a UHF single channel transponder as its payload. LiPS 3 may have conducted tether experiments.
The successful operation of the LiPS experiments initiated an evolutionary program that yielded a profound impact on tactical communications supporting military operations, including development of Tactical Receive Equipment (TRE), the Joint Combat Information Terminal (JCIT) and the Radiant Hail system for dissemination of tactical battlefield information.
More at: LIPS.
Related
- Country
- USA
- Launch Vehicles
- Atlas, Atlas E, Atlas E/MSD, Atlas H
- Launch Sites
- Vandenberg, Vandenberg SLC3W, Vandenberg SLC3E
- Agency
- USN
Photo Gallery
LIPS 1
Credit: Manufacturer Image
Chronology
3 events
1980 December 9
07:18 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E/MSD. FAILURE: Premature shut down of one of the Atlas booster engines turned the vehicle around, thereafter the sustainer thrust it back toward the earth..1983 February 9
13:47 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3E. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas H.- LIPS 2 - . Payload: LIPS 2. Nation: USA. Agency: USN. Spacecraft: LIPS. USAF Sat Cat: 13792 . COSPAR: 1983-008B. Apogee: 1,399 km (869 mi). Perigee: 822 km (510 mi). Inclination: 63.30 deg. Period: 107.49 min.