Track ANDE CASTOR SPHERE Satellite in Real Time
Detailed information about ANDE CASTOR SPHERE satellite
Designator id: 2009-038F
Description of ANDE CASTOR SPHERE Satellite:
ANDE 2, the Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment 2, is a pair of microsatellites (Castor and Pollux) launched from Cape Canaveral on STS 127 on 15 July 2009 at 22:03 UT and deployed from the payload bay of the shuttle on 30 July 2009 at 17:22 UT. The mission objective is to measure the density and composition of the rarified atmosphere at low-Earth orbit while being tracked from the ground. The data will be used to better predict the movement and decay of objects in orbit. The two spherical satellites are each 48 cm in diameter but have different masses (25 and 50 kg). Because of the difference in mass, the satellites will drift apart over time. Observing the satellites' position will provide a study on spatial and temporal variations in atmospheric drag associated with geomagnetic activity. The surface of both spheres contains an embedded array of sensors including 30 retroreflectors, six laser diodes for tracking, and six photovoltaic cells for determining orientation and spin rate. Both spheres also have thermal monitor systems. The lighter satellite is Pollux and the heavier is Castor. The Castor spacecraft carries active instruments: a miniature wind and temperature spectrometer to measure atmospheric composition, cross-track winds, and neutral temperature; a Global Positioning Sensor; and an electrostatic analyzer to monitor plasma density spacecraft charging.
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