Research Payload Module 481 [USAF]
Official name ATLAS AGENA D R/B
Alternative name Agena D (Atlas SLV3)
Cospar ID 1967-031B
Norad ID 2744
Launch date 1967-04-06
Launch site AFETR
Launch vehicle Atlas-SLV3 Agena-D
Country/Organization USA
Type application Technology
Operator Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
RCS size UNKNOWN
Decay date 1968-06-29
Shape Cyl
Mass (kg) 700
Diameter (m) 1.5
Height (m) 6.3
Span (m^2) 6.3
Contractors Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
Equipment Heat pipe experiment
Propulsion none in orbit
Configuration Payload attached to Agena-D stage
Power Batteries

Research Payload Module 481 was a piggy-back payload attached to the aft rack of an Agena-D stage to test out heat pipe cooling systems. It was built by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).

Module 481 was attached to the Agena-D stage, which was to put ATS 2 into a medium altitude circular orbit, but due to a proulsion failure, it was stranded in an elliptical transfer orbit. Although the main payload's mission was compromised, the orbit was sufficient to conduct the Module 481 heat pipe experiment.

It reentered the atmosphere on 29 June 1968.

Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
ATLAS AGENA D R/B 1967-031B 1967-04-06 AFETR Atlas-SLV3 Agena-D with ATS 2