Space Technology 5 (ST-5)

http://st5.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Space Technology 5 (ST-5) was a mission in the New Millennium Program and NASA’s first experiment in the design of miniaturized satellite constellations. The mission lasted 3 months. During this time the constellation of three spin-stabilized spacecraft validated new technology for spaceflight. These technologies included a miniature cold gas thruster, X-band transponder, flexible interconnects, variable-emissivity coatings, ultra low-power logic, and autonomous constellation management ground software, as well as various technology improvements embedded in the spacecraft itself. In addition to validating these new technologies and instruments, the mission goal was to reduce the weight, size and cost of space missions, while preserving or improving technical capabilities.