THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELECTRIC FIELD METER FOR THE EXPLORER VIII SATELLITE (1960)
Abstract
The electric field meter (EFM) was one of the sensors flown in the Explorer VIII satellite launched on November 3, 1960. The EFM, located on the spin axis of the payload, was designed to measure the strength of the electrostatic field caused by the ion sheath surrounding the satellite. Since the sensor required dc motor elements to operate in an ionospheric vacuum, methods were sought to avoid the catastrophic wear rate of standard commercial commutator brushes and ball bearings in a vacuum environment. After an extensive test program, goldplated stainless steel ball bearings and carbon brushes with a molybdenum disulphide core lubricant were used in the EFM flight units. By using these special components, an EFM was developed with a life expectancy exceeding that of the battery power available. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0274568
Entities
People
- Harold E. Evans
- Thomas W. Flatley
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration