PSSC-2
{{Infobox spaceflight
| name = PSSC-2
| image = Picosat.jpg
| image_caption = Diagram of PSSC-2
| mission_type = Technology
| operator = US Air Force
| website =
| COSPAR_ID = 2011-031B
| SATCAT =
| mission_duration =
| spacecraft_bus =
| manufacturer = Aerospace Corporation
| dry_mass =
| launch_mass = {{convert|3.7|kg}}
| power =
| launch_date = {{start-date|8 July 2011, 15:29|timezone=yes}} UTC
| launch_rocket = {{OV|104}} STS-135
| launch_site = Kennedy LC-39A
| launch_contractor =
| deployment_date =
| last_contact =
| decay_date = 8 December 2011
| orbit_epoch =
| orbit_reference = Geocentric
| orbit_regime = Low Earth
| orbit_periapsis =
| orbit_apoapsis =
| orbit_inclination =
| orbit_period =
| apsis = gee
}}
PSSC-2, or Pico-Satellite Solar Cell Testbed 2,[http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/566071main_STS-135_Press_Kit.pdf NASA.gov STS-135 Press Kit, p.97] also known as PSSC-Testbed 2, is a miniaturised satellite which was operated by the United States Air Force as part of a technology demonstration programme. It was the last satellite to be deployed from a Space Shuttle.{{Citation|date=July 2011|title=STS-135: The Final Mission|type=Press Kit|publisher=NASA|pages= 100–101}}
Overview
PSSC-2 was launched aboard {{OV|104|full=nolink}} on its final mission, STS-135. The launch took place from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, at 15:29 UTC on 8 July 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.planet4589.org/space/jsr/latest.html|title=Issue 644|work=Jonathan's Space Report|first=Jonathan|last=McDowell|access-date=12 July 2011}} PSSC-2, along with a deployment mechanism, was carried to orbit in the payload bay of the Shuttle, attached to the right wall behind the Orbiter Docking System.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/06/sts-135-final-flights-timeline-takes-shape/|title=STS-135/ULF-7 – The Final Flight's Timeline Takes Shape|first=Chris|last=Gebhardt|date=17 June 2011|access-date=12 July 2011|publisher=NASASpaceflight.com}} It remained attached during Atlantis
File:STS-135 Picosat deployment.gif
PSSC-2 is the second PSSC satellite, following PSSC-1 which was deployed from {{OV|105|full=nolink}} during STS-126 in 2008. It carries two technology demonstration experiments: Miniature Tracking Vehicle (MTV), and the Compact Total Electron Content Sensor (CTECS). MTV will test the satellite's ability to function as a reference body for tracking stations, whilst CTECS will observe the signals from occulting Global Positioning System satellites in order to study the density of the ionosphere. The satellite also carries cameras intended to capture the last images of a Space Shuttle in orbit, shortly after separation.
PSSC-2 is a {{convert|3.7|kg|adj=on}} spacecraft which was built by the Aerospace Corporation, and is equipped with three-axis stabilisation, adaptive communications systems, and systems to monitor the energy produced by its solar cells. Four ammonium perchlorate solid rocket motors, each capable of generating {{convert|40|N}} of thrust, will be used for manoeuvring one month after launch; either to raise the satellite's orbit or to deorbit it.{{cite web|first=Gunter|last=Krebs|work=Gunter's Space Page|title=PSSC-Testbed 2|url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/pssct-2.htm|access-date=12 July 2011}}
References
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{{Portal|Spaceflight}}
{{Orbital launches in 2011}}