SESP 1 in space test chamber [Boeing]
Official name OPS 3850
Alternative name SESP-1
Cospar ID 1971-054A
Norad ID 5285
Launch date 1971-06-08
Launch site AFWTR
Launch vehicle Thor-DSV2U Burner-2
Country/Organization USA
Type application Technology, Science, Astronomy (IR)
Operator US Air Force (USAF) STP (Space Test Program)
RCS size LARGE
Decay date 1982-01-31
Shape Sphere + Cone
Mass (kg) 257.68
Height (m) 3
Width (m) 1.31
Depth (m) 3
Span (m^2) 3
Lifetime 2 months
Contractors Boeing
Equipment Celestial IR experiment, spacecraft attitude sensing device
Configuration Instruments mounted on upper stage
Power Batteries

The objective of the SESP 1 (P70-1) spacecraft was to test an infrared celestial mapping sensor system.

The instruments were integrated with the Burner-2 upper stage and remained attached. The mission was designed for a life time of 2 month. The spacecraft was integrated by Boeing, who also built the Burner-2 upper stage.

The experiments were:

  • Celestial IR Measurements (SAMSO 001)
    This experiment was to measure the spectral variation in the celestial infrared background. The experiment was considered 40% successful and contributed to the development of surveillance satellites. The mass of the experiment was 67 kg
  • Spacecraft Attitude Sensing Device (SAMSO 203)
    The objective of this 2 kg secondary experiment was to test a system for determining the attitude of reentry vehicle. The experiment was a complete success.
Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
OPS 3850 1971-054A 1971-06-08 AFWTR Thor-DSV2U Burner-2