Microwave Anisotropy Probe

The Launch of MAP

The MAP satellite is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida in Fall 2000. The launch vehicle is a Delta II 7425-10 rocket. Once the rocket launches, it will revolve around its axis at a rate of about 60 rpm. This spinning will slow by a process called the "yo-yo despin." After MAP is released from the rocket, its own propulsion system carries it to its destination at L2, 5 times farther from the Earth than the Moon.

Delta Rocket

The Delta II 7425-10 rocket is part of the Med-Lite family of launch vehicles built by Boeing.

Yo-yo Despin

The yo-yo despin is a technique used to stop the Delta rocket from revolving around its axis after it has launched. Weights on strings are attached to the side of the rocket. Once it is activated, the strings unwind like a yo-yo and the weights are released. Due to the conservation of angular momentum, the rocket's angular velocity (its spin rate) must decrease. This process is analogous to a figure skater who is spinning at high speed on ice and extends her arms to slow herself down.

Deployment of the solar array / Sun shield

The picture below shows MAP in its deployed confuration. The panels that hold the solar arrays are folded up against the spacecraft so that it may fit in the Delta fairing. After the spacecraft is spun down, the panels are released by cutting a kevlar cable and they fold down, somewhat like a vegetable steamer, to form a single flat Sun shield across the bottom of the spacecraft. Not shown in the picture is the multi-layered insulating blankets that fill the gaps between the panels to form a continuous shield.

The following is an image of the spacecraft stowed for launch:

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Last updated: Friday, 05-21-1999