# Simplesat

> failed American small satellite deployed by STS-105

**Wikidata**: [Q6128813](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6128813)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/simplesat

## Summary
Simplesat was a failed American small satellite deployed by the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-105 mission in 2001. It was a space telescope designed to observe distant space objects but suffered a critical failure shortly after deployment.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Space telescope and small satellite (under 1,200 kg)
- **Operator/Manufacturer**: Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA
- **Launch Date**: August 10, 2001, at 21:10:14 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-105 mission)
- **Launch Site**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- **Mass**: 52 kg (launch weight)
- **Dimensions**: 66 cm tall, 50 cm in diameter
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array
- **Status**: Failed (deployment unsuccessful)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **COSPAR ID**: 2001-035B
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2001-035B

## FAQs
### Q: What was Simplesat's purpose?
A: Simplesat was designed as a small satellite telescope to observe distant space objects. It was part of NASA's efforts to develop cost-effective space observation platforms.

### Q: Why did Simplesat fail?
A: The satellite suffered a critical failure shortly after deployment, preventing it from fulfilling its mission. The exact cause of the failure is not specified in the provided source material.

### Q: Who built Simplesat?
A: Simplesat was built by the Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA's space research laboratory in Greenbelt, Maryland.

### Q: What was the significance of Simplesat's launch?
A: Simplesat was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-105 mission, demonstrating NASA's ability to deploy small satellites alongside larger payloads.

### Q: How does Simplesat compare to other small satellites?
A: Simplesat was classified as a small satellite, weighing only 52 kg, making it one of the lighter spacecraft in NASA's small satellite program.

## Why It Matters
Simplesat represents an early attempt by NASA to develop and deploy small, cost-effective satellites for space observation. Despite its failure, the mission contributed valuable data to NASA's understanding of small satellite technology and deployment challenges. As part of NASA's broader small satellite program, Simplesat helped pave the way for future missions that leverage lightweight, modular spacecraft for scientific research and exploration.

## Notable For
- **First Small Satellite Deployment**: One of the earliest small satellites deployed by the Space Shuttle, demonstrating NASA's capability to launch auxiliary payloads alongside primary missions.
- **Telescope Design**: As a space telescope, Simplesat was notable for its compact size and focus on distant space observation, aligning with NASA's push for more affordable space science instruments.
- **Failed Mission**: Despite its technical achievements, Simplesat's failure highlighted the challenges of small satellite deployment and the need for robust engineering solutions.

## Body
### Overview
Simplesat was a small satellite developed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. It was launched on August 10, 2001, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-105 mission. The satellite was designed to serve as a space telescope, observing distant space objects. However, it suffered a critical failure shortly after deployment, preventing it from fulfilling its mission objectives.

### Design and Specifications
- **Mass**: 52 kg (launch weight)
- **Dimensions**: 66 cm tall and 50 cm in diameter
- **Power**: Solar array for energy
- **Payload**: Telescope for space observation

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Vehicle**: Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-105)
- **Launch Site**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- **Launch Date**: August 10, 2001, at 21:10:14 UTC
- **Deployment**: Failed shortly after launch

### Significance
Simplesat was part of NASA's small satellite program, which aimed to develop cost-effective spacecraft for scientific research. Despite its failure, the mission provided valuable insights into small satellite technology and deployment challenges. It also demonstrated NASA's ability to launch auxiliary payloads alongside larger missions.

### Legacy
Simplesat's legacy lies in its contribution to NASA's understanding of small satellite technology. While the mission did not achieve its scientific goals, it helped inform future efforts in developing lightweight, modular spacecraft for space exploration and research.

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  "name": "Simplesat",
  "description": "Failed American small satellite deployed by STS-105",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/simplesat.htm)
2. [Simplesat. Gunter's Space Page](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/simplesat.htm)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=26889)
5. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2001-035B)