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The 3 Corner Satellite was originally
designed for launch from a space shuttle. The initial launch
configuration was with all three satellites stacked. However,
that configuration was unstable. A modified 2x1 launch
configuration was designed and is shown below.
Original 2x1 3CS launch configuration
for shuttle
However, after the Columbia accident,
the 3CS mission needed another ride. One was found with
the Boeing Delta IV Heavy demonstration flight. The launch
configuration needed to be modified for the rocket configuration.
In this case, one of the satellites needed to stay behind and
"Petey" was removed from the configuration. The
new configuration is shown next.
Delta IV launch configuration for
3 Corner Satellite.
Delta IV on the launch pad
The 3 Corner Sat components attached
to the Demosat on the Delta IV.
The launch attempt was 21 December
2004. The satellites were deployed but there was a problem
and the nanosat mission was lost. |