# Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9

> former American communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q122980674](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122980674)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lincoln-experimental-satellite-9

## Summary
Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 (LES-9) was a former American communications satellite launched in 1976 as part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series. It served as a technology demonstration spacecraft and was operated by the United States Air Force and MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

## Key Facts
- Launched on March 15, 1976, at 01:25:40 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- Mass at launch: 454 kilograms.
- Operated by the United States Air Force and MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
- Part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series, which included experimental satellites built by Lincoln Laboratory.
- Powered by two MHW-RTG units, each with a power output of 308 watts.
- Launched using a Titan IIIC rocket with a Transtage space tug.
- Decommissioned on May 20, 2020.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9?
A: Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 was a technology demonstration spacecraft and communications satellite. It was used to test and demonstrate experimental technologies in space.

### Q: When was Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 launched?
A: Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 was launched on March 15, 1976, at 01:25:40 UTC.

### Q: Who operated Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9?
A: The satellite was operated by the United States Air Force and MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

### Q: What was the mass of Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 at launch?
A: The mass of Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 at launch was 454 kilograms.

### Q: When was Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 decommissioned?
A: Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 was decommissioned on May 20, 2020.

## Why It Matters
Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 played a significant role in the development and testing of experimental technologies for communications satellites. As part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series, it contributed to advancements in satellite technology and telecommunications. The satellite's successful operation and subsequent decommissioning provide valuable data and insights for future satellite missions. Its role in demonstrating new technologies has helped shape the field of satellite communications, making it an important part of the history of space exploration and technology.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series, which was built by Lincoln Laboratory.
- Serving as a technology demonstration spacecraft, contributing to advancements in satellite technology.
- Being powered by MHW-RTG units, which provided a significant power output for its operations.
- Having a successful operational life span from 1976 to 2020.
- Being launched using a Titan IIIC rocket, a notable launch vehicle in the history of space exploration.

## Body
### Launch and Specifications
Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 (LES-9) was launched on March 15, 1976, at 01:25:40 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The satellite had a launch mass of 454 kilograms and was powered by two MHW-RTG units, each with a power output of 308 watts.

### Operators and Manufacturers
LES-9 was operated by the United States Air Force and MIT Lincoln Laboratory. It was manufactured by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and was part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series, which included experimental satellites built by the laboratory.

### Launch Vehicle and Orbit
The satellite was launched using a Titan IIIC rocket with a Transtage space tug. It was placed in a geostationary orbit, where it operated as a communications satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft.

### Decommissioning
Lincoln Experimental Satellite 9 was decommissioned on May 20, 2020, after a successful operational life span of over 44 years. Its decommissioning marked the end of its service as a technology demonstration and communications satellite.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/les-8.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nuke.fas.org/space/bennett0706.pdf)
4. [Source](https://news.mit.edu/2020/lincoln-laboratory-decommissions-lincoln-experimental-satellite-9-0527)
5. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_stage/transtage.htm)