Hawaii

The state of Hawaii plans to launch its first satellite, the HiakaSat, into space next week, along with several other smaller satellites.

The satellite will demonstrate University of Hawaii’s long wave infrared hyper-spectral imaging system. Its two colour cameras will provide wide and narrow view images of the Earth.

HawaiiSat-1 mission will be launched on a 55ft long Super Strypi rocket from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai.

The rocket will be sent into space by a 135ft rail launcher and carry 12 other smaller satellites.

"The launch of the ORS-4 mission was originally scheduled in 2013 but was postponed due to technical issues and other problems."

Weighing 121lb, HiakaSat supports Office of Responsive Space (ORS) office activities and was funded by DARPA.

The launch of the ORS-4 mission was originally scheduled in 2013 but was postponed due to technical issues and other problems.

The mission was scheduled for launch on 29 October but was rescheduled to the next day. It is now scheduled to launch on 9 November.

HawaiiSat-1 mission is sponsored by the Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space Office in conjunction with Sandia National Laboratories, the University of Hawaii, the Pacific Missile Range Facility and Aerojet Rocketdyne.

Aerojet Rocketdyne is the source supplier of the three-stage propulsion system of Super Strypi programme that uses low cost solid rocket motors (SRMs) such as LEO-46, LEO-7 and LEO-1.

The first flight of ORS-4 mission will be the debut flight of Super Strypi Launch Vehicle and the largest propulsion system launched from a rail system.

Image: The ORS-4 Super Strypi. Photo: courtesy of Aerojet Rocketdyne.