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NASA is about to launch an important mission to test a new type of miniature satellite. Called Space Technology 5, or simply ST5, the mission uses three 55-pound, birthday-cake-sized satellites. Each satellite is fully equipped with smaller versions of navigation, propulsion and communications systems normally used on much larger spacecraft. While in space, engineers will verify each satellite's function and ability to work autonomously. A highpoint of the evaluation will be the 'lights out' phase when ST5 will be left to fly on its own for one week. This trial will help scientists determine if it's possible to conduct missions without continuous human monitoring. In a test of the technology's capacity to perform science, ST5 will survey the Earth's inner magnetosphere. The magnetosphere is a field of energy that surrounds the planet and shields it from solar storms. Occasionally, solar particles will slip through the field and trigger geomagnetic storms that damage satellites or cause power outages, validating the study of the magnetosphere. The team of satellites is set to fly into space aboard a rocket precisely suited for smaller missions: the Pegasus. Taking off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Pegasus will streak into space after it drops from the belly of the L-1011 Stargazer jet. Roughly 10 minutes later, the ST5 satellites will be released to begin their mission.