COMMERCIAL EXPERIMENT TRANSPORTER-COMET

A launch system consisting of ground-support equipment, a four-stage r ocket, a service module, a recovery system and a recovery site, and an orbital operations center is being assembled. The system is designed to launch 818 kg (1800 lb) to a 552-km (300-n.mi.) low earth orbit at a 40-deg inclination, Experiment space exists in both the service modu le and the recovery system. The service module provides space for 68 k g (150 lb) of experiments plus telemetry services, attitude control, a nd power and uses no consumables to maintain attitude. Consequently, t he service module can maintain orbit attitude for gears. Power of 400 W is supplied by solar cells and batteries for both experiment operati on and housekeeping. The recovery system houses an experiment carrier for 136 kg (300 lb) of experiments, a retro rocket, a heat shield, and a parachute. An orbital operations control center provides tracking, telemetry, and commanding for the satellite. The payloads are also bri efly described. The first launch was scheduled for 1995.