The Spartan 1 Mission

R. G. Cruddace et al. (1990), JBIS, 43, pp.223-229

Refcode: 1990.43.223

Abstract:

One of the programmes introduced by NASA to facilitate scientific research using the space shuttle is Spartan. Inspired by the sounding rocket programme, Spartan employs autonomous payloads, each equipped with its own precise point in system and deployed by the shuttle orbiter in Earth orbit. After performing a preprogramed series of measurements, which for most missions will be astronomical observations, the Spartan payload is retrieved by the orbiter after about two days and returned to Earth. The development of the Spartan concept started in 1976 in a collaborative effort by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSF ) [ 1,2,3].