Tri-Service Experiment Mission 6 (TSX-6)

Tri-Service Experiment Mission 6 (TSX-6) supports the Space Test Program (STP) charter by providing Department of Defense (DoD) experiments access to space. TSX-6 will host at least two DoD experiment packages: the OPREX Spacecraft Evaluation Module (OSEM) and the Polymer Battery Experiment (PBEX).

The primary objective of this mission is to collect data from the OSEM, PBEX, and any other experiments. The TSX-6 spacecraft (SC) will be commanded and controlled via stand-alone ground control stations located at the SC contractor and experimenter facilities. The SC will downlink OSEM and PBEX payload data to the ground control stations. Initial Launch Capability (ILC) is expected to be approximately November 1999.

OSEM will collect and evaluate a data base of selected, scientific information associated with small communications signal links between spacecraft and ground stations. The experiment utilizes and evaluates several modulation and detection techniques under a variety of natural, man-made, earth, and deep space interference conditions. Experiment data will assess and quantify communications phenomena and will be instrumental in determining the frequency and power density required to optimally perform closed-loop communications.

PBEX will evaluate the performance of advanced all-plastic batteries in space by measuring the performance of a test battery during alternating charge and discharge cycles. The plastic battery is rechargeable, utilizing a plastic anode, cathode, and gel electrolyte.

Sources

• TSX-6
• TSX-6 Mission Requirements Document, 19 June 1997
• TSX-6 OSEM Experiment Requirements Document, 18 June 1997
• TSX-6 PBEX Experiment Requirements Document, 16 April 1997