SOME CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE VELA SATELLITE PROGRAM IN SPACE RESEARCH
Abstract
The successful launches of the Vela Satellite Program have resulted in increased knowledge of the radiation environments at 17 to 18 Earth radii. Discussed in this paper are Vela Satellite Program management structure, spacecraft and payload description and a summary of the analysis of scientific data obtained from the orbiting satellites. The Vela Satellite Program achieved a space first by placing two similar spacecraft into high altitude circular orbits in one launch. Operational support of the satellites has been effected by efficient command and status telemetry systems. Remarkable reliability exhibited by detectors, detector logics, and spacecraft hardware has allowed data collection over an extended period. The Vela Satellites continuously sample radiation in orbits which twice cut the magnetosphere boundary. Besides confirming general features of the solar wind already observed, the satellites have supplied useful data on the angular and spatial distribution of charged particles in the transition region near the magnetosphere, particle fluxes within the magnetospheric cavity, correlation of solar x-ray activity with reported solar flares, and cosmic ray intensity fluctuation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0483114
Entities
People
- Richard M. Potter
- Robert C. Axtell
Organizations
- Air Force Systems Command