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MSD
NOSS-MSD with three NOSS
satellites attached [NRL]
MSD (MultipleSatellite Dispenser) were dispensers for theParcae (NOSS)satellite triplets.
These satellites were developed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Each launch ontop of an modified Atlas-E/F rocket consisted of the MSD mother satellite, which alsoacted as an upper stage for the stack using an integrated FW-4D solid rocket motor. Inorbit, three NOSS satellites were separated and flew together in a triangle formation.
Around the base of the cylindrical MSD was a jettisonable plume shield to protect theNOSS subsatellites. In three launches these plume shields were modified to function aslow-cost experimental satellites under the designationLIPS.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Ocean Surveillance Launch Dispenser |
| Operator: | ? |
| Contractors: | Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) (#1, 2); ? (#3 - 9) |
| Equipment: | ? |
| Configuration: | ? |
| Propulsion: | FW-4D ? |
| Power: | |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: | 1050 km × 1150 km, 63° (typical) |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSD 1 (NRL-PL 180) | 1976-038A | 30.04.1976 | Va SLC-3W | Atlas-F MSD | withParcae 1A,Parcae 1B,Parcae 1C | |
| MSD 2 (NRL-PL 190) | 1977-112A | 08.12.1977 | Va SLC-3W | Atlas-F MSD | withParcae 2A,Parcae 2B,Parcae 2C | |
| MSD 3 | 1980-019A | 03.03.1980 | Va SLC-3W | Atlas-F MSD | withParcae 3A,Parcae 3B,Parcae 3C | |
| MSD 4 | 1980-F03 | 09.12.1980 | Va SLC-3W | F | Atlas-E MSD | withParcae 4A,Parcae 4B,Parcae 4C,LIPS 1 |
| MSD 5 | 1983-008A | 09.02.1983 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | withParcae 5A,Parcae 5B,Parcae 5C,LIPS 2 | |
| MSD 6 | 1983-056A | 09.06.1983 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | withParcae 6A,Parcae 6B,Parcae 6C | |
| MSD 7 | 1984-012A | 05.02.1984 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | withParcae 7A,Parcae 7B,Parcae 7C | |
| MSD 8 (USA 15) | 1986-014A | 09.02.1986 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | withParcae 8A,Parcae 8B,Parcae 8C | |
| MSD 9 (USA 22) | 1987-043A | 15.05.1987 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | withParcae 9A,Parcae 9B,Parcae 9C,LIPS 3 |
Further NOSS missions:
