# ESPA Augmented Geostationary Laboratory Experiment

> U.S. Air Force technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q131439347](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131439347)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/espa-augmented-geostationary-laboratory-experiment

## Summary
The ESPA Augmented Geostationary Laboratory Experiment (EAGLE) is a United States Air Force technology demonstration satellite operated by the Air Force Research Laboratory. Launched on April 14, 2018, it utilizes an ESPAStar bus to test experimental technologies in a high Earth orbit. The spacecraft was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation and launched aboard an Atlas V 551 rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** ESPA Augmented Geostationary Laboratory Experiment
- **Aliases:** EAGLE, USA-284
- **Operator:** Air Force Research Laboratory
- **Manufacturer:** Orbital Sciences Corporation
- **Launch Date:** April 14, 2018 (23:13:00 UTC)
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas V 551 (AV-079)
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41
- **Orbit Regime:** High Earth orbit
- **Spacecraft Bus:** ESPAStar
- **COSPAR ID:** 2018-036B
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** 43340
- **Classification:** Technology demonstration spacecraft; Military satellite
- **Power System:** Spacecraft solar array (quantity: 1)
- **Contract Award:** October 24, 2012 (awarded to Orbital Sciences Corporation)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the EAGLE satellite?
A: EAGLE is a technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test experimental technologies for the U.S. Air Force. It operates as a military satellite in a high Earth orbit.

### Q: When and how was the EAGLE satellite launched?
A: The satellite was launched on April 14, 2018, at 23:13:00 UTC. It was delivered to orbit by an Atlas V 551 rocket (designation AV-079) lifting off from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.

### Q: Who built and operates the EAGLE spacecraft?
A: The spacecraft was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation, which received the contract on October 24, 2012. It is currently operated by the Air Force Research Laboratory.

## Why It Matters
The ESPA Augmented Geostationary Laboratory Experiment (EAGLE) serves as a critical platform for the U.S. Air Force to validate new technologies in the space environment. By utilizing the ESPAStar bus—a modular platform often used to accommodate secondary payloads or hosted experiments—EAGLE represents a flexible approach to space testing. Its placement in a high Earth orbit allows for the demonstration of capabilities in a geostationary or near-geostationary environment, which is strategically vital for communications and surveillance. The mission bridges the gap between laboratory development and operational deployment, ensuring that emerging technologies are vetted for reliability in the harsh conditions of space before being integrated into broader military architectures.

## Notable For
- **Platform Innovation:** Utilization of the ESPAStar bus, a versatile structure often derived from the EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) ring, allowing for modular payload integration.
- **Orbital Regime:** Operation in a high Earth orbit, distinguishing it from low Earth orbit technology demonstrators.
- **Heavy-Lift Launch:** Deployment via the Atlas V 551 configuration, a powerful variant of the Atlas V launch vehicle.
- **Military Research:** Direct operation by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), highlighting its role in advancing defense-specific space capabilities.

## Body

### Development and Manufacturing
The ESPA Augmented Geostationary Laboratory Experiment (EAGLE) was developed as a technology demonstration spacecraft for the United States Air Force. The manufacturing contract was awarded to Orbital Sciences Corporation on October 24, 2012. The spacecraft is built on the **ESPAStar** bus platform. It is classified as both a technology demonstration spacecraft and a military satellite.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft is identified by the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) **43340** and the COSPAR ID **2018-036B**. It is also designated as **USA-284**. EAGLE is equipped with a single spacecraft solar array for power generation.

### Launch and Deployment
EAGLE was successfully launched on **April 14, 2018**, at precisely 23:13:00. The launch took place at **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41**. The launch vehicle used was an **Atlas V 551**, carrying the tail number or designation **AV-079**. This specific launch configuration is noted for its heavy-lift capability.

### Mission Profile
Following its launch, the satellite was deployed into a **high Earth orbit**. It is operated by the **Air Force Research Laboratory**, serving as a testbed for experimental technologies relevant to military space operations.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eagle.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://spacenews.com/orbital-awarded-contract-by-us-air-force-for-eagle-spacecraft-platform/)