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Military satellite DSP tilted to predeployment position

auteur: Nasa/Novapix

référence: e-sat98-00001

Image Size 300 DPI: 39 * 37 cm

Defense Support Program (DSP) / Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) spacecraft, with forward airborne support equipment payload retention latch actuator released (foreground), is raised to a 29 degree predeployment position by the ASE aft frame tilt actuator (AFTA) table in the payload bay of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle 104. DSP components include Infrared sensor (top), AR I, SHF Antenna, EHF Antenna, Link 2 High-Gain Antenna, star sensor, and stowed solar paddles (box-like structure around the base). The Earth's limb and the blackness of space create the backdrop for this deployment scene. 
DSP satellites detect missile or spacecraft launches and nuclear explosions using sensors that detect the infrared emissions from these intense sources of heat.
 

 

Keywords for this photo:

1991 - ANTENNA - ARTIFICIAL SATELLITE - ATLANTIS - DEFENSE SUPPORT PROGRAM - DSP - EARTH - EARTH FROM SPACE - INFRARED - LIMB - MANNED SPACEFLIGHT - MILITARY SATELLITE - PAYLOAD BAY - SPACE - SPACE SHUTTLE - SPACESHIP - STS-44 -