The Design Characteristics of Inflatable Aluminized-Plastic Spherical Earth Satellites With Respect to Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared and Radar Radiation
Abstract
An investigation was made to predict whether a hollow aluminized- plastic sphere in a terrestrial orbit at about 1000 miles altitude would be easily visible to the naked eye, would be a good reflector of radar waves, would be protected from deterioration of the plastic by ultraviolet radiation, and would assume acceptable extremes of temperature. It was found that a 2200 A thick coating of vapor-deposited aluminum on 1/4-mil-thick mylar forming a 100- ft-diam sphere would probably meet all requirements regarding radiation as well as a maximum weight limit of about 100 lb.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 08, 1958
- Accession Number
- ADA286706
Entities
People
- Arlen F. Carter
- George P. Wood
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration