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- [Text Source: NASA National Space Science Data Center, http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1997-037A ]
NSSDC ID: 1997-037A Description SeaStar was a spacecraft, developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation, to deliver daily, worldwide, high precision, moderate resolution, multispectral visible observations of ocean radiance for research in biogeochemical processes, climate change, and oceanography. A near noon sun-synchronous orbit was flown for optimum illumination of the lighted hemisphere. Data were taken from a single ocean color scanner on-board the satellite (SeaWiFS - Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor). The SeaStar spacecraft was launched into low Earth orbit via a Pegasus launch vehicle which was flown under the wing of a modified Lockheed L-1011 aircraft. The spacecraft had an on-board hydrazine propulsion system which was used to raise the satellite to its final 705 km circular, noon, sun-synchronous orbit. Final orbit was achieved 20 days after launch. The spacecraft was three-axis stabilized by an Attitude Control System (ACS) which consisted of orthogonal magnetic torque rods for roll and yaw control and two momentum wheels for pitch stabilization. ACS sensors included redundant sun sensors, horizon sensors, and magnetometers. The propulsion system consisted of a reaction control subsystem for third stage stabilization and a hydrazine propulsion subsystem for raising the space- craft to its operational orbit and for orbit stabilization. Local high resolution (1 km) data (LAC) were delivered by direct broadcast at L-Band to regional scientific centers nationwide. Reduced resolution (4 km) data (GAC and selected LAC) were directly broadcast at S-band to smaller research centers and ships at sea. All reduced resolution data and selected full resolution data were recorded on board and transmitted to GSFC via daily dump at S-Band or via the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). A minimum three year mission life was expected. The satellite stopped taking data on December 11, 2010 and was subsequently decommissioned. Group: Platform_Details Entry_ID: SEASTAR Group: Platform_Identification Platform_Category: Earth Observation Satellites Short_Name: SEASTAR Long_Name: Orbital Sciences Corporation OrbView-2 Satellite End_Group Group: Synonymous_Platform_Names Short_Name: SeaStar Short_Name: Orbview Short_Name: 24883 End_Group Group: Platform_Associated_Instruments Short_Name: SEAWIFS End_Group Group: Orbit Orbit_Altitude: 705 km Orbit_Inclination: 98.2 degrees Equator_Crossing: Noon +/- 20 minutes Period: 99 minutes Perigee: 707 km Apogee: 708 km Orbit_Type: LEO > Low Earth Orbit > Polar Sun-Synchronous End_Group Creation_Date: 2007-04-16 Online_Resource: http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/SeaWiFS/SEASTAR/SPACECRAFT.html Online_Resource: http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1997-037A Online_Resource: http://www.orbital.com/SatellitesSpace/ImagingDefense/OV2/index.shtml Online_Resource: http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/SeaWiFS/ Online_Resource: http://science.nasa.gov/missions/seawifs/ Sample_Image: http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/SeaWiFS/IMAGES/seastar_orbit.jpg Group: Platform_Logistics Launch_Date: 1997-08-01 Launch_Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, USA Design_Life: 5 years Primary_Sponsor: USA/NASA Primary_Sponsor: Orbital Sciences Corporation End_Group End_Group
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