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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.

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Intro music.

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NARRATOR:  NASA is about to launch an important mission to test a new type of miniature satellite.

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Called Space Technology 5, or simply ST5, the mission uses three 55-pound, birthday cake-sized satellites.

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Each satellite is fully equipped with smaller versions of navigation, propulsion and communications systems normally used

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on much larger spacecraft. While in space, engineers will verify each satellite's function and ability to work autonomously.

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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.

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This trial will help scientists determine if it's possible to conduct missions without continuous human monitoring.

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In a test of the technology's capacity to perform science, ST5 will survey the Earth's inner magnetosphere.

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The magnetosphere is a field of energy that surrounds the planet and shields it from solar storms. Occasionally, solar particles will slip through

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the field and trigger geomagnetic storms that damage satellites or cause power outages, validating study of the magnetosphere.

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The team of satellites is set to fly into space aboard a rocket precisely suited for smaller missions: the Pegasus.

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Taking off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus will streak into space after it drops

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from the belly of the L-1011 Stargazer jet.

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Roughly 10 minutes later, the ST5 satellites will be released to begin their mission.

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