The APL Satellite Refrigerator Program.
Abstract
Four satellite refrigerators were built and installed on a satellite to cool gamma ray spectrometers. The p-78-1 satellite, launched on February 24, 1979, was the first satellite to carry gamma ray detectors that were cooled by mechanical refrigerators. Still operating successfully after over 18 months in orbit, this is the first satellite experiment of any kind on which mechanical refrigerators have been operated for longer than a few weeks. This report describes the selection and specifications of the refrigerators as determined by APL and Lockheed, the design and construction of the refrigerators by Philips Laboratories, the design and construction of the motor drive and instrumentation electronics by APL, the APL qualification and acceptance test programs, and the APL laboratory life test program. The orbital performance of the refrigerators is discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA102377
Entities
People
- C. S. Leffel Jr.
- R. Von Briesen
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University