| Mission type | Technology |
|---|---|
| Operator | DARPA |
| COSPAR ID | 2007-006A |
| SATCATno. | 30772 |
| Mission duration | 4 months |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Launch mass | 2,400 pounds (1,100 kg) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 9 March 2007, 03:10:00 (2007-03-09UTC03:10Z) UTC |
| Rocket | Atlas V 401 AV-013 |
| Launch site | Cape CanaveralSLC-41 |
| Contractor | United Launch Alliance |
| End of mission | |
| Disposal | Decommissioned |
| Deactivated | 21 July 2007 (2007-07-22) |
| Decay date | 25 October 2013 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth |
| Perigee altitude | 490 kilometers (300 mi) |
| Apogee altitude | 498 kilometers (309 mi) |
| Inclination | 46.0 degrees |
| Period | 94.49 minutes |
| Epoch | 9 March 2007[1] |
Autonomous Space Transport Robotic Operations (ASTRO), was an American technology demonstrationsatellite which was operated as part of theOrbital Express program. It was used to demonstrate autonomous servicing and refuelling operations in orbit, performing tests on theNEXTSat satellite which was launched with ASTRO for that purpose.[2] Launched in March 2007, it was operated for four months, and then deactivated in orbit.
ASTRO was launched byUnited Launch Alliance on anAtlas V 401 rocket; serial number AV-013. The launch occurred at 03:10 UTC on 9 March 2007, fromSpace Launch Complex 41 at theCape Canaveral Air Force Station.[3] The launch was contracted by theSpace Test Program to launch theSTPSat-1 spacecraft, and was named STP-1. It also deployed NEXTSat; as well asFalconSAT-3,CFESat andMidSTAR-1.[2] The launch marked the first time United Launch Alliance had launched an Atlas V, the type having previously been operated byInternational Launch Services.
ASTRO was a 2,100-pound (950 kg) spacecraft, which was built byBoeing.[4] It had a robotic arm, approx 4 metres when extended.[4] It was able to transfer hydrazine to other satellites/NEXTSat.[4]
It was operated inlow Earth orbit. On 9 March 2007, it had aperigee of 490 kilometers (300 mi), anapogee of 498 kilometers (309 mi), 46.0 degrees ofinclination, and anorbital period of 94.49 minutes.[1]
After completing operations, the ASTRO and NEXTSat spacecraft were separated, and ASTRO performed a separation burn. On 21 July 2007, ASTRO was deactivated.[5] It re-entered on October 25, 2013 (UTC).[6]
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