MEPSI

MEPSI is no longer on orbit
MEPSI is classified as:

Experimental

NORAD ID: 29660

Int'l Code: 2006-055B

Launch date: December 10, 2006
Source: United States (US)
Launch site: AIR FORCE EASTERN TEST RANGE (AFETR)
Decay date: 2007-03-08

The Microelectromechanical System-based (MEMS) PICOSAT Inspector (MEPSI) experiment series intends to demonstrate the concept of an on-board intelligent hardware agent, "InfoBot", that can be used to assist satellite operations. It is designed to enhance satellite command and control (C2) operations by providing active on-board imaging capability to assess spacecraft damage from man-made or environmental threats, monitor satellite early orbit testing (EOT) operations and augment servicing operations. MEPSI has been developed through a series of four pre-flight missions, each of increasing complexity and each improving overall satellite performance over the previous version. In December 2002, the MEPSI completed its third development mission with a successful launch from the Shuttle Endeavor (first shuttle mission). Improvements from the 2002 version are being made for this next developmental step.