Launch 5-13: Polar GravSAT

Year 5, Day 157.
Mission Objectives:

1. Place satellite in polar orbit.
2. Collect gravimetric data.

​A night launch! We have a contract to put a satellite into a polar orbit, which we'll use to conduct a tiny bit of science. This will also be our first launch of a DEUCES mk 0 rocket.

Payload: GravSAT

Lifter: DLSv3 Delta II

Solar eclipse at sunrise.

The DEUCES mk 0 before transfer burn.

After the burn, the satellite is deployed. It will circularize on its own.

In the satellite's final orbit, high above the ice caps.

Mission Summary:

1. Place satellite in polar orbit: success!
2. Collect gravimetric data: success!