The primary objective of MTI (Multispectral Thermal Imager) was to demonstrate advanced multispectral and thermal imaging, image processing, and associated technologies that could be used in future systems for detecting and characterizing facilities producing weapons of mass destruction using radiometrically accurate, high spatial resolution, multispectral imaging.
Polar OrbitExpress-A satellites are designed for operation in the fixed satellite service. Their transponder payloads make it possible to retransmit all types of traffic, including television and radio programming, telephony, data, videoconferencing as well as high-speed Internet.
Geostationary OrbitSTS-99 was a Space Shuttle mission using Endeavour, that launched on 11 February 2000 from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The primary objective of the mission was the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) project. This was also the last solo flight of Endeavour; all future flights for Endeavour became devoted to the International Space Station.
Low Earth OrbitAstro E is a X-ray astronomy satellite bulit as a joint effort of NASA and the Japanese space agency ISAS. Observing the X-ray spectrum of the distant universe, Astro-E was to open a new window into the workings of black holes, neutron stars, active galaxies, and other very energetic objects. Astro E was lost in a launch vehicle failure in February 2000, but a repeat Astro E2 (renamed Suzaku after successful launch) was built to conduct the mission. It was launched in July 2005 aboard a Japanese improved M-5 rocket.
Low Earth OrbitIRDT (Inflatable Re-Entry and Descent Technology) is a new technology to return payloads from orbit without a heavy heatshield and parachute system. A inflatable cone provides protection during reentry and a second inflatable extension of the cone reduces the speed further for a safe landing.
Low Earth OrbitThe Globalstar global mobile communications network offers global, digital real time voice, data and fax via a constellation of 48 minisatellites. The constellation operates in a 1410 km orbit inclined at 52 degrees, and will also have 8 spares. The satellites were built by Space Systems Loral and Alenia Aerospazio in Rome, Italy.
Low Earth OrbitHispasat 1C and 1D are powerful telecommunications satellite based on a Spacebus-3000B2 platform with 28 Ku-band channels built by Alcatel Space for the Spanish company HISPASAT S.A. They offer pan-European and pan-American multi-area coverage. This coverage can extend to certain areas of North Africa. The flexibility offered by the satellite's design will allow users to benefit from intercontinental links between Europe and the Americas.
Geostationary Orbit