The Micrometeoroid Satellite Explorer XIII (1961 CHI). Collected Papers on Design and Performance
Abstract
NASA Micrometeoroid Satellite Explorer XIII (1961 Chi) was developed to obtain a measure of the micrometeorid penetration hazard to spacecraft by recording penetrations of thin materials. In addition to providing engineering data on this problem, the satellite was designed to measure the space density of cosmic dust for particle masses of 3 X 10 sub -7 grams or greater, 3 x 10 sub-8 grams or greater, and 3 x l0 sub-9 grams or greater. Further, the satellite was designed to obtain data useful in the design of solar-cell power supplies for spacecraft. The Explorer XIII was launched due east from the NASA Wallops Station, Wallops Island, Virginia on August 25,1961 at 18:29:44 hours and injected into a near-earth orbit by means of a Scout launch vehicle. Due to a large injection-angle error, the orbital lifetime of the spacecraft was only days. Despite the very short life of the Explorer XIII, several successful interrogations of the telemeter systems were made and significant data were obtained on the meteoroid environment. satellite exposed three materials to the meteoroid-environment: beryllium cooper from 0 001 to 0.005 inch thick, type 304 stainless steel 0.003 and 0.006 inch thick, and copper wire 0.002 and 0.003 inch in diameter.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- ADA397594
Entities
People
- Charles T. D'aiutolo
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration