NAIL: ST5 is a mission to test miniaturized satellite technology. But what exactly is the test and how will ST5 complete it? Here is an explanation.
Intro music.
NARRATOR: NASA is about to launch an important mission to test a new type of miniature satellite.
Called Space Technology 5, or simply ST5, the mission uses three 55-pound, birthday cake-sized satellites.
Each satellite is fully equipped with smaller versions of navigation, propulsion and communications systems normally used
on much larger spacecraft. While in space, engineers will verify each satellite's function and ability to work autonomously.
A high point of the evaluation will be the "lights-out" phase, when ST5 will be left to fly on its own for one week.
This trial will help scientists determine if it's possible to conduct missions without continuous human monitoring.
In a test of the technology's capacity to perform science, ST5 will survey the Earth's inner magnetosphere.
The magnetosphere is a field of energy that surrounds the planet and shields it from solar storms. Occasionally, solar particles will slip through
the field and trigger geomagnetic storms that damage satellites or cause power outages, validating study of the magnetosphere.
The team of satellites is set to fly into space aboard a rocket precisely suited for smaller missions: the Pegasus.
Taking off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus will streak into space after it drops
from the belly of the L-1011 Stargazer jet.
Roughly 10 minutes later, the ST5 satellites will be released to begin their mission.