Fabrication and Pressurizations Technology for Improvement of Surface Accuracy of Passive Communications Satellites
Abstract
Since the successful demonstration of the Echo I satellite for the purpose of communication by means of passive reflecting of radio waves, the NASA Langley Research Center through both in-house and contractual studies by the G. T. Schjeldahl Company of Northfield, Minnesota, has been actively engaged in a research program to improve the RF reflecting surface of the passive communication satellite The objectives of the program are first to investigate and document the state-of-the-art fabrication technique used for the Echo satellites in order to establish the source and magnitude of the inherent errors during forming, cutting, sealing, and handling; second, to evaluate improved manufacturing procedures by constructions of small-scale 12-foot spheres using such devices as mandrels and molds; and, third, to determine the effects of the number of gores and the manufacturing process on the surface conditions and radius of curvature accuracy before, during, and after internal l2-foot-diameter-sphere pressurization using a photogrammetry technique. This paper will present the highlights of this program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- ADA451837
Entities
People
- David C. Grana
- Walter E. Bressette
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration