# ANGELS

> U.S. Air Force small satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4826791](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4826791)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_Nanosatellite_Guardian_for_Evaluating_Local_Space)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/angels

## Summary
ANGELS (Autonomous Nanosatellite Guardian for Evaluating Local Space) is a U.S. Air Force small satellite launched in 2014 to demonstrate experimental technologies in space. Weighing approximately 70 kg, it was designed to test autonomous navigation and guidance systems in geosynchronous orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and small satellite (under 1,200 kg)
- **Mass**: Approximately 70 kg (approximate value)
- **Launch Date**: July 28, 2014, at 23:28 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta IV Medium+(4,2) (serial number D-368)
- **Orbit**: Geosynchronous orbit
- **Sponsor/Operator**:
  - Primary sponsor: Air Force Research Laboratory (2014–2016)
  - Operator: 3d Space Experimentation Squadron (2016–2017)
- **Manufacturer**: Orbital Sciences Corporation
- **Cost**: $29.5 million (2007 contract value)
- **Decommissioned**: November 2017
- **Aliases**: Autonomous Nanosatellite Guardian for Evaluating Local Space, Automated Navigation and Guidance Experiment for Local Space, USA-255

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the ANGELS satellite?
A: ANGELS was a technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test autonomous navigation and guidance systems in geosynchronous orbit, operated by the U.S. Air Force.

### Q: Who built and launched the ANGELS satellite?
A: The satellite was built by Orbital Sciences Corporation and launched by United Launch Alliance using a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) rocket on July 28, 2014.

### Q: How long was the ANGELS satellite operational?
A: ANGELS was operational from July 2014 until it was decommissioned in November 2017.

### Q: What was the mass of the ANGELS satellite?
A: The satellite had an approximate mass of 70 kg, classifying it as a small satellite.

### Q: What was the cost of the ANGELS program?
A: The program had a contract value of $29.5 million, awarded to Orbital Sciences Corporation in 2007.

## Why It Matters
ANGELS played a crucial role in advancing autonomous space technology, particularly in navigation and guidance systems for small satellites. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it provided the U.S. Air Force with valuable data on operating autonomous systems in geosynchronous orbit. The satellite's decommissioning in 2017 marked the end of its mission, but its contributions likely influenced future developments in small satellite autonomy and space experimentation. By testing experimental technologies in a real-world environment, ANGELS helped bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications in space operations.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the first small satellites (under 1,200 kg) to demonstrate autonomous navigation in geosynchronous orbit.
- **Cost-effective**: Developed on a budget of $29.5 million, showcasing efficient satellite design and development.
- **Pioneering autonomy**: Tested autonomous systems that could potentially reduce reliance on ground-based control for future missions.
- **Military relevance**: Supported the Air Force Research Laboratory’s goals in advancing space technology for defense applications.
- **Short operational lifespan**: Decommissioned just three years after launch, highlighting the rapid evolution of space technology.

## Body
### Overview
ANGELS (Autonomous Nanosatellite Guardian for Evaluating Local Space) was a small satellite developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to demonstrate autonomous navigation and guidance technologies. Launched on July 28, 2014, aboard a Delta IV Medium+(4,2) rocket, it operated in geosynchronous orbit until its decommissioning in November 2017.

### Design and Specifications
- **Mass**: Approximately 70 kg, qualifying it as a small satellite.
- **Bus**: Utilized the Star Bus spacecraft platform.
- **Orbit**: Positioned in geosynchronous orbit to test autonomous systems in a high-altitude environment.

### Mission and Technology
- **Primary Objective**: To test autonomous navigation and guidance systems, reducing dependence on ground-based control.
- **Technological Focus**: Demonstrated the feasibility of small satellites performing complex maneuvers without constant human intervention.

### Operational History
- **Launch**: Conducted by United Launch Alliance from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37.
- **Operational Period**: Active from 2014 to 2017, with the Air Force Research Laboratory as its primary sponsor.
- **Decommissioning**: Officially decommissioned in November 2017, marking the end of its mission.

### Significance
- **Military Applications**: Contributed to the Air Force’s efforts in advancing space technology for defense.
- **Cost Efficiency**: Developed within a $29.5 million budget, highlighting efficient satellite design.
- **Legacy**: Its data likely informed future developments in autonomous small satellite operations.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/angels.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/orbital-awarded-29-5-million-contract-for-angels-satellite-program-by-air-force-research-laboratory)