# STPSat-3

> U.S. Air Force technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471830](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471830)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stpsat-3

## Summary
STPSat-3 is a U.S. Air Force technology demonstration satellite launched on November 20, 2013, as part of the Space Test Program. It was designed to test experimental technologies in low Earth orbit before being decommissioned in March 2023.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 20, 2013, at 01:15 UTC from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0B
- **Mass**: 180 kilograms
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Launch Vehicle**: Minotaur I (flight number 11)
- **Manufacturer**: Ball Aerospace & Technologies and AeroAstro
- **Spacecraft Bus**: BCP-100
- **Operator**: Space Test Program
- **Deorbit Date**: March 11, 2023
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (3 panels)
- **Predecessor**: STPSat-2
- **Successor**: STPSat-5

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of STPSat-3?
A: STPSat-3 was a technology demonstration satellite designed to test experimental technologies in space before they were integrated into operational systems.

### Q: Who launched STPSat-3?
A: STPSat-3 was launched by the U.S. Air Force as part of the Space Test Program, using a Minotaur I rocket.

### Q: How long was STPSat-3 operational?
A: STPSat-3 remained in operation from its launch in 2013 until it re-entered Earth's atmosphere and was decommissioned in March 2023.

### Q: What was the significance of STPSat-3's solar array?
A: STPSat-3 was equipped with a spacecraft solar array consisting of three panels, providing the necessary power for its technology demonstration missions.

### Q: How does STPSat-3 compare to other STPSat satellites?
A: STPSat-3 followed STPSat-2 and preceded STPSat-5, continuing the U.S. Air Force's tradition of testing new technologies in space.

## Why It Matters
STPSat-3 played a crucial role in advancing space technology by serving as a platform for testing experimental systems in a real-world orbital environment. As part of the Space Test Program, it contributed to the development of technologies that could enhance future military and scientific missions. Its decommissioning in 2023 marked the end of an era for this particular satellite, but its legacy lives on in the technologies it helped demonstrate. The satellite's successful operation and eventual deorbiting provided valuable data on spacecraft longevity and re-entry processes, furthering the field of space systems engineering.

## Notable For
- **First in Series**: STPSat-3 was the third satellite in the STPSat series, following STPSat-2 and preceding STPSat-5.
- **Technology Testing**: It was specifically designed to test new technologies before they were deployed in operational satellites.
- **Low Earth Orbit Operations**: STPSat-3 operated in low Earth orbit, a common but critical environment for technology demonstrations.
- **Solar Array Design**: Its three-panel solar array was a notable feature, providing reliable power for its missions.
- **Deorbiting Data**: The satellite's re-entry in 2023 provided valuable insights into spacecraft deorbiting processes.

## Body
### Overview
STPSat-3 was a technology demonstration satellite developed by the U.S. Air Force under the Space Test Program. It was launched on November 20, 2013, aboard a Minotaur I rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0B. The satellite was built using the BCP-100 spacecraft bus and was equipped with a three-panel solar array to provide power.

### Mission and Technology
STPSat-3 was designed to test experimental technologies in space. These technologies were intended to be integrated into future operational systems. The satellite's primary mission was to demonstrate new capabilities that could enhance military and scientific missions.

### Operational Life
STPSat-3 remained operational for several years, conducting its technology demonstrations in low Earth orbit. The satellite was eventually decommissioned when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere on March 11, 2023. This marked the end of its mission, but the data collected during its operational life contributed to advancements in space technology.

### Legacy
STPSat-3 is notable for its role in the STPSat series, which included STPSat-2 and STPSat-5. The satellite's successful operation and eventual deorbiting provided valuable insights into spacecraft longevity and re-entry processes. Its legacy continues to influence the development of future space technologies.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/stpsat-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=39380)