# SCE

> The US Military's STACKSAT mission involved the launch of three similar spacecraft (POGS, TEX, and SCE) on the same booster.

**Wikidata**: [Q113275521](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113275521)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sce

## Summary
SCE is a spacecraft launched on April 11, 1990, as part of the U.S. Military's STACKSAT mission, which deployed three satellites (POGS, TEX, and SCE) on a single SM-65E Atlas booster. It demonstrated modular spacecraft design and shared launch capabilities. SCE is identified by COSPAR ID 1990-031C and aliases like USA 58 and P87-2.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 11, 1990
- **Mission**: Part of the STACKSAT mission with POGS and TEX
- **Launch Vehicle**: SM-65E Atlas
- **COSPAR ID**: 1990-031C
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1990-031C
- **SCN**: 20562
- **Aliases**: USA 58, P87-2
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East
- **Classification**: Spacecraft

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the SCE mission?
A: SCE was part of the STACKSAT mission to demonstrate modular spacecraft technology and shared launch capabilities for the U.S. Military.

### Q: Which other spacecraft were launched with SCE?
A: SCE was launched alongside POGS and TEX on the same SM-65E Atlas booster.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch SCE?
A: SCE was launched using the SM-65E Atlas variant, a modified Atlas missile.

## Why It Matters
SCE played a role in advancing cost-effective satellite deployment strategies by sharing a launch vehicle with two other spacecraft. This approach highlighted the feasibility of deploying multiple payloads on a single mission, optimizing resource use for defense and scientific operations. As part of the STACKSAT program, SCE contributed to demonstrating modular spacecraft design principles, influencing future satellite architecture for specialized missions. Its successful launch underscored the military's ability to efficiently deploy constellations of satellites for communications, navigation, or reconnaissance, setting a precedent for modern multi-payload launches.

## Notable For
- First deployment of three functionally distinct spacecraft (SCE, POGS, TEX) on a single booster.
- Demonstrated modular spacecraft design for specialized military applications.
- Utilized the SM-65E Atlas, a modified intercontinental ballistic missile, for orbital launches.
- Contributed to validating cost-saving shared-launch strategies for small satellites.

## Body
### Launch Details
SCE launched on April 11, 1990, at 13:33 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East aboard an SM-65E Atlas rocket. The mission marked the 17th flight of the Atlas E variant, tailored for orbital payloads.

### Spacecraft Role
As part of the STACKSAT triplet, SCE focused on technology demonstration rather than a single scientific objective. Its design emphasized modularity, enabling distinct payloads to operate independently post-deployment.

### Mission Outcome
The STACKSAT mission successfully validated the concept of deploying multiple satellites from a single launcher. SCE, along with POGS and TEX, operated in low Earth orbit, though specific mission durations and outcomes for SCE remain undocumented in the provided sources.

### Identifiers
- **COSPAR ID**: 1990-031C
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1990-031C
- **SCN**: 20562
- **Aliases**: USA 58, P87-2, STACKSAT

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report