Date of launch (location):
Apr. 22, 1976 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Delta 2914
Weight (kg):
720
Shape:
Cylindrical
Dimensions (m):
2.23 length (3.1 overall
length)
2.20 diameter
Power source:
Solar cells plus NiCd
batteries
NASA's role:
Launch vehicle (reimbursable)
Cooperating organizations:
NASA, Department of Defense, USAF,
and NATO
Prime contractor:
Philco Ford Space & Reentry
Systems Division for USAF
Responsible NASA center:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Project manager:
Robert Goss
Objectives:
Military communications
Results:
Successful; greater capacity than
NATO I or NATOSAT 2; operated as part of the NATO Defense
Satellite Communications System.
Reference: NASA, "NATO III A Mission Operations Report," M-492-207-76-01, Apr. 19, 1976.