High Energy Transient Explorer 1
Description
The High Energy Transient Experiment (HETE) was to be an international mission led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Its prime objective was to carry out the first multi-wavelength study of gamma-ray bursts (GRB) with UV, X-ray and gamma ray instruments. A unique feature of the mission was its capability to localize bursts with several arc-second accuracy, in near real-time aboard the spacecraft. The spacecraft hardware and software was developed by AeroAstro, Inc. (USA). The HETE spacecraft was sun-pointing with four solar panels connected to the bottom of the spacecraft bus. Spacecraft attitude was to be controlled by magnetic torque coils and a momentum wheel. The HETE satellite was launched with the Argentine satellite SAC-B. HETE was trapped within the Dual Payload Attachment Fitting due to a battery failure in the Pegasus XL rocket third stage. Due to its inability to deploy the solar panels, HETE lost power several days after launch. (NASA - National Space Science Data Center) |
Facts
Spectrum Studied: Gamma Rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet Launch Date: 1996-11-04 Termination Date: 1966-11-09 Orbital Location: Earth Orbit (477 to 555 km) Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL Launch Site: Wallops Island, United States Mass: 128.0 kg Funding Agency NASA - Office of Space Science (United States) |