# STPSat-6

> U.S. Space Force technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q135480151](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135480151)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/stpsat-6

## Summary
STPSat-6 is a United States Space Force technology demonstration satellite operated by the Space Test Program. It was manufactured by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, launched on 2021-12-07 on an Atlas V 551 (AV-093) from Cape Canaveral SLC-41, and is deployed to geostationary orbit.

## Key Facts
- STPSat-6 is a technology demonstration spacecraft used to demonstrate experimental technologies.  
- Country of origin and operator: United States; operated by the Space Test Program.  
- Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems.  
- Launch date and time: 2021-12-07 at 10:19 (UTC as provided).  
- Launch site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.  
- Launch vehicle: Atlas V 551 (vehicle designation AV-093).  
- Orbit: deployed to geostationary orbit.  
- Mass at launch: 2,572 kilograms.  
- Spacecraft catalog identifier (SCN): 49817; COSPAR ID / NSSDCA ID: 2021-118A.  
- Power: driven by spacecraft solar arrays (2 solar arrays specified).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of STPSat-6?
A: STPSat-6 is a technology demonstration satellite intended to carry and validate experimental space technologies on behalf of the Space Test Program and the U.S. Space Force.

### Q: When and how was STPSat-6 launched?
A: STPSat-6 was launched on 2021-12-07 at 10:19 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 aboard an Atlas V 551 launch vehicle (AV-093).

### Q: Who built and operates STPSat-6?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems and is operated by the Space Test Program of the United States.

### Q: What orbit does STPSat-6 occupy?
A: STPSat-6 is a satellite of geostationary orbit.

## Why It Matters
STPSat-6 serves as a platform to test and validate space technologies in an operational geostationary environment for the U.S. Space Force and the Space Test Program. Technology demonstration spacecraft like STPSat-6 allow developers and operators to assess new hardware, software, or operational concepts in orbit before committing them to larger or longer-lived missions. By operating in geostationary orbit, STPSat-6 provides a relevant environment for demonstrations that require fixed longitude positioning relative to Earth, which is important for communications, persistent sensing, and other applications that rely on geostationary vantage points. As a bridge between laboratory development and operational deployment, STPSat-6 contributes to risk reduction and accelerates maturation of space technologies for national defense and government space activities.

## Notable For
- Being a U.S. Space Force technology demonstration satellite operated by the Space Test Program.  
- Launch on 2021-12-07 aboard an Atlas V 551 (AV-093) from Cape Canaveral SLC-41.  
- Deployment to geostationary orbit.  
- Mass of 2,572 kg at launch.  
- Manufactured by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems and powered by two spacecraft solar arrays.

## Body

### Identification and class
- Name: STPSat-6 (alias: Space Test Program Satellite - 6).  
- Instance of: technology demonstration spacecraft (spacecraft class used to demonstrate experimental technologies).  
- SCN (spacecraft catalog number): 49817.  
- COSPAR ID: 2021-118A.  
- NSSDCA ID: 2021-118A.

### Mission role and operator
- Mission type: technology demonstration for the Space Test Program.  
- Operator: Space Test Program (United States).  
- Country of origin: United States.

### Manufacturing and spacecraft details
- Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems.  
- Launch mass: 2,572 kg.  
- Power: provided by spacecraft solar arrays; two solar arrays are specified.

### Launch details
- Launch date: 2021-12-07.  
- Launch time: 10:19 (as provided).  
- Launch site: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.  
- Launch vehicle: Atlas V 551 (vehicle designation AV-093).

### Orbit and disposition
- Satellite of: geostationary orbit.  
- Significant event recorded: rocket launch from Cape Canaveral SLC-41 on 2021-12-07.

### Program context and lineage
- STPSat-6 follows STPSat-4 in the sequence of STPSat-series technology demonstration satellites.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/stpsat-6.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2021-118A)