Also called:
Applications Technology Satellites,
ATS F
Date of launch (location):
May 30, 1974 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Titan III C
Weight (kg):
1336
Shape:
Rectangular earth-viewing module
connected by a tubular support truss to a 9.15-meter
parabolic antenna; two solar panels on booms extend from
opposite sides on top of the antenna.
Dimensions (m):
8.51 overall height
16.0 width with booms extended
Power source:
Solar panels plus two NiCd
batteries
Responsible NASA center:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Prime contractor:
Fairchild Industries
Project manager:
John M. Thole
Project scientist:
Edward A. Wolff
Spacecraft Manager:
Anthony H. Sabehhaus
Objectives:
In near-geostationary orbit erect a
9-meter antenna structure capable of providing a good
quality signal to small, inexpensive ground receivers;
stabilize a spacecraft using a three-axis control
system.
Fields of investigation:
Communications
Spacecraft technology
Tracking and data relay
Space science (charged particles,
cosmic ray, and magnetic field measurements)
User experiments
Results:
Highly successful; initially
positioned over U.S.; moved for use in India in 1975; moved
back to western hemisphere in 1976. Operational through
August 1979.
Reference: NASA, "ATS 6 Mission Operations Report," E-630-74-06, May 24, 1974.