Rigidsphere
Spacecraft · USA
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Credit: Manufacturer Image
American military target satellite operated by USAF STP (Space Test Program), USA. Launched 1968 - 1971.
The Rigidsphere and Gridsphere satellites of the 1960s were wire frames, embedded in an inflatable plastic substrate that sublimated away in space, leaving the open wire grid spheres.
Subtopics
Related
- Country
- USA
- Launch Sites
- Vandenberg, Vandenberg 576A2
- Agency
- USAF
Chronology
1 event
1971 August 7
00:11 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg 576A2. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas F.- Rigidsphere - . Payload: AVL-802 Rigid Sphere. Mass: 6.00 kg (13.20 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Radar calibration target. Spacecraft: Rigidsphere. Decay Date: 1979-11-02 . USAF Sat Cat: 5406 . COSPAR: 1971-067H. Apogee: 916 km (569 mi). Perigee: 781 km (485 mi). Inclination: 87.60 deg. Period: 101.80 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .