The Array of Low Energy X-ray Imaging Sensors (ALEXIS) satellite is Los Alamos' first attempt at building and flying a small, low cost, rapid development, technology demonstration and scientific space mission. The ALEXIS satellite contains the two experiments: the ALEXIS telescope array, (which consists of six EUV/ultrasoft x-ray telescopes utilizing multilayer mirrors, each with a 33 degree field-of-view), and VHF ionospheric experiment called BLACKBEARD. The spacecraft is controlled exclusively from a ground station located at Los Alamos. The 113-kg ALEXIS satellite was launched by a Pegasus booster into a 750 X 850 km, 70 degree inclination orbit on April 25, 1993. Due to damage sustained at the time of launch, ground controllers did not make contact with the satellite until late June. By late July, full satellite operations had been restored through the implementation of new procedures for attitude control. Science operations with the two onboard experiments began at that time. This paper will discuss our experience gained in launching and managing this small scientific and technology demonstration satellite.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    On-orbit science in a small package: managing the ALEXIS satellite and experiments



    Conference:

    Advanced Microdevices and Space Science Sensors ; 1994 ; San Diego,CA,United States


    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1994-09-23





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    ALEXIS small satellite project: initial flight results

    Priedhorsky, William C. / Bloch, Jeffrey J. / Holden, Daniel H. et al. | SPIE | 1993




    Pegasus 4 lifts Alexis to orbit

    Online Contents | 1993


    Alexis and Hete: Two small, low cost, scientific satellite systems

    Martel, F. / Fleeter, R. / Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1993