In order to test in orbit a wide variety of new systems and technologies and to carry out associated research, the Royal Aerospace Establishment is developing two small 50 kg satellites, designated Space Technology Research Vehicles 1a and 1b. They are scheduled to be launched into the geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 4 in 1993; in this orbit they will be able to investigate the effects of a very high radiation dose, atomic oxygen erosion and spacecraft charging. The paper discusses the design of the spacecraft and describes the development status as at September 1991. Details are also given of a selection of the payload experiments.
The Development Status of the Space Technology Research Vehicle Programme
1992-07-01
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
The space technology research vehicle: development status
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