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STRV

The June, 1994, launches of the STRV 1A and 1B (Space Technology Research Vehicles) spacecraft marked the first time in 10 years (AMPTE) that the UK had long-lived geophysics satellites in Earth orbit. Although developed by Defense Research Agency as a technology testbed, the STRV program provided an opportunity of acquiring valuable information on the near-Earth radiation and particulate environment. The two spacecraft were inserted in highly elliptical orbits of approximately 280 km by 35,850 km at 7 degree inclinationas piggyback payloads on an Ariane mission. The 50-kg spacecraft with dimensions of 0.4 m by 0.5 m by 0.5 m were equipped with gallium-arsenide solar cells for a beginning of life power level of 30 W. STRV 1A carried cosmic ray sensors (CREDO, Cosmic Ray Effects and Dosimeter), while STRV 1B hosted a UK radiation and proton detector (RADMON, Radiation Monitor) and an ESA radiation environment monitor (REM) for charged particles (References 79-81).

79. D.G. Fearn, et al, "The Development Status of the Space Technology Research Vehicle", Paper IAF-91008, 42nd Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, 1991.

80. P.B. de Selding, "British To Launch Pair of Satellites on Ariane's ASAP in June", Space News, 16-22 May 1994, p.18.

81. P. Mace, et al, "STRV-1: International Success Study", Aerospace America, October 1995, pp. 28-32.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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