KSC-06pd0558

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. - On the ramp adjacent to the runway at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers secure the Space Technology 5's Pegasus rocket to the underside of an Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft. The ST5, which contains three microsatellites with miniaturized redundant components and technologies, is mated to its launch vehicle, Orbital Sciences' Pegasus XL. Each of the ST5 microsatellites will validate New Millennium Program selected technologies, such as the Cold Gas Micro-Thruster and X-Band Transponder Communication System. After deployment from the Pegasus, the micro-satellites will be positioned in a “string of pearls” constellation that demonstrates the ability to position them to perform simultaneous multi-point measurements of the magnetic field using highly sensitive magnetometers. The data will help scientists understand and map the intensity and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field, its relation to space weather events, and affects on our planet. Launch of ST5 and the Pegasus XL will be from underneath the belly of an L-1011 carrier aircraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base.