Also called:
UK-X4
Memorandum of Understanding:
(MOU)
between NASA and: U.K. Dept. of Trade
and Industry, Dec. 1972
Date of launch (range):
Mar. 8, 1974 (WTR)
Launch vehicle:
Scout
Shape:
rectangular
Weight (kg):
93.4
Dimensions (m):
0.84, height
0.67, width (2.50 with solar
arrays)
Power source:
solar arrays
Prime contractor:
Hawker Siddeley Dynamics, Ltd.
Date of reentry:
N/A
NASA's role:
launch vehicle (reimbursable)
Responsible NASA center:
LaRC
Project manager:
N/A
Project scientist:
N/A
Objectives:
To demonstrate the technology
involved in the design and manufacture of a new type of
experiment platform for use on small spacecraft.
Experiments (responsible country or
organization):
.
attitude control system (U.K.)
infrared horizon sensor (U.K.)
single axis star sensor (U.K.)
albedo horizon sensor (U.K.)
silicon solar cells (U.K.)
Results:
Successful; the experiment was
designed for an operational lifetime of only six
months.
Reference: MOR S490-301-74-01, Feb. 22, 1974; and NASA Hq. Press Release 74-36, "NASA to Launch British Satellite," Feb. 24, 1974.