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MSD
NOSS-MSD with three NOSS
satellites attached [NRL]
MSD (Multiple Satellite Dispenser) were dispensers for the Parcae (NOSS) satellite triplets.
These satellites were developed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Each launch on top of an modified Atlas-E/F rocket consisted of the MSD mother satellite, which also acted as an upper stage for the stack using an integrated FW-4D solid rocket motor. In orbit, three NOSS satellites were separated and flew together in a triangle formation.
Around the base of the cylindrical MSD was a jettisonable plume shield to protect the NOSS subsatellites. In three launches these plume shields were modified to function as low-cost experimental satellites under the designation LIPS.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Ocean Surveillance Launch Dispenser |
| Operator: | ? |
| Contractors: | Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) (#1, 2); ? (#3 - 9) |
| Equipment: | ? |
| Configuration: | ? |
| Propulsion: | FW-4D ? |
| Power: | |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: | 1050 km × 1150 km, 63° (typical) |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSD 1 (NRL-PL 180) | 1976-038A | 30.04.1976 | Va SLC-3W | Atlas-F MSD | with Parcae 1A, Parcae 1B, Parcae 1C | |
| MSD 2 (NRL-PL 190) | 1977-112A | 08.12.1977 | Va SLC-3W | Atlas-F MSD | with Parcae 2A, Parcae 2B, Parcae 2C | |
| MSD 3 | 1980-019A | 03.03.1980 | Va SLC-3W | Atlas-F MSD | with Parcae 3A, Parcae 3B, Parcae 3C | |
| MSD 4 | 1980-F03 | 09.12.1980 | Va SLC-3W | F | Atlas-E MSD | with Parcae 4A, Parcae 4B, Parcae 4C, LIPS 1 |
| MSD 5 | 1983-008A | 09.02.1983 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | with Parcae 5A, Parcae 5B, Parcae 5C, LIPS 2 | |
| MSD 6 | 1983-056A | 09.06.1983 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | with Parcae 6A, Parcae 6B, Parcae 6C | |
| MSD 7 | 1984-012A | 05.02.1984 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | with Parcae 7A, Parcae 7B, Parcae 7C | |
| MSD 8 (USA 15) | 1986-014A | 09.02.1986 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | with Parcae 8A, Parcae 8B, Parcae 8C | |
| MSD 9 (USA 22) | 1987-043A | 15.05.1987 | Va SLC-3E | Atlas-H MSD | with Parcae 9A, Parcae 9B, Parcae 9C, LIPS 3 |
Further NOSS missions:
