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ERS

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ERS
Credit: NASA

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AKA: Earth Resources Satellite. Status: Operational 1962. First Launch: 1962-09-17. Last Launch: 1967-04-28. Number: 7 . Gross mass: 45 kg (99 lb).

Ranging in mass from 0.7 to 45 kg, and carrying from 1 to 14 experiments, these ERS "hitch-hiker" spacecraft provided an inexpensive, flexible vehicle capable of making scientific and engineering measurements in space. A major role of the ERS satellites was to act as a test bed to determine the reliability of improved components and subsystems destined for use in later generations of spacecraft.

A unique feature of the system was its capability to function without a battery. The key to this advantage was the design which permitted solar cells, fastened to all exterior surfaces of the vehicle, to maintain constant exposure of about 15 percent of the sun. The ERS was a small satellite, measuring in one version only 22 cm on a side and weighing 680 g; the larger version weighed 45 kg and was a 51 cm diameter cylinder. At least 12 satellites were launched from 1962 for a variety of missions and sponsors. The 8-sided version was designated the OV-5 and became a part of a program conducted by the Air Force Office of Aerospace Research. Prime Contractor was TRW Systems Group of TRW Inc.

Photo Gallery

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ORS 3 Credit: Manufacturer Image

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ORS 2 Credit: Manufacturer Image

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ORS Mk.3 Credit: Manufacturer Image

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ORS 1 Credit: Manufacturer Image

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TRS 1 Credit: Manufacturer Image

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TRS 2 Credit: Manufacturer Image

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ORS Mk.2 Credit: Manufacturer Image

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TTS Credit: Manufacturer Image

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• TRS - . Payload: ERS 2. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: ERS. COSPAR: 1962-A-Chi-xx.

• TRS 1 - . Payload: ERS 1. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: ERS. COSPAR: 1962-B-Pi-xx.

• TRS 10 - . Payload: ERS 10. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: ERS. COSPAR: 1963-030xx.

• ORS 3 - . Payload: ERS 17. Mass: 5.00 kg (11.00 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: ERS. Decay Date: 1968-07-01 . USAF Sat Cat: 1460 . COSPAR: 1965-058C. Apogee: 111,793 km (69,464 mi). Perigee: 566 km (351 mi). Inclination: 36.90 deg. Period: 2,595.40 min. Radiation data. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• ORS 2 - . Payload: ERS 16. Mass: 15 kg (33 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: ERS. Decay Date: 1967-03-12 . USAF Sat Cat: 2202 . COSPAR: 1966-051C. Apogee: 3,641 km (2,262 mi). Perigee: 178 km (110 mi). Inclination: 90.00 deg. Period: 125.10 min. The first Atlas SLV-3/Agena D (7200 Series, Vehicle #7201) standard booster was successfully launched from Vandenberg. Metal-to-metal bonding experiments. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• ORS 1 - . Payload: ERS 15. Mass: 5.00 kg (11.00 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: ERS. USAF Sat Cat: 2412 . COSPAR: 1966-077C. Apogee: 3,700 km (2,200 mi). Perigee: 3,680 km (2,280 mi). Inclination: 89.70 deg. Period: 167.60 min. Cold welding experiments. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• ERS 18 - . Mass: 9.00 kg (19.80 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Earth. Type: Magnetosphere satellite. Spacecraft: ERS. USAF Sat Cat: 2767 . COSPAR: 1967-040C. Apogee: 110,842 km (68,873 mi). Perigee: 8,991 km (5,586 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 2,831.30 min. Radiation research. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .