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Class: Technology. Nation: USA. Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences.

SBD, the Orbital Corporation Special Bus Design, was a 73 kg test version of an enlarged Microstar bus.

Mass: 73 kg (160 lb).


SBD Chronology
  • 2001 September 21 - SBD - Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: 576E. Launch Vehicle: Taurus. FAILURE: A problem a few seconds after first stage separation caused the rocket to go off course; it recovered and the remainder of the stages fired, but final cutoff velocity was too low to reach a sustainable orbit. Mass: 368 kg (811 lb).
    SBD, the Orbital Sciences' Special Bus Design. The 73 kg satellite was a test version of an enlarged Microstar bus. It would have remained attached to the third stage, together with two Celestis burial canisters containing cremated human remains, and an experimental third stage avionics box.


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