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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND


-/A SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Washington, D. C. 20546
202-755.8370

FOR RELEASE:
December 10, 1973

PROJECT: ATMOSPHERE EXPLORER


SATELLITE
(AE-C)

contents
S GENERAL RELEASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

MISSION DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7


SPACECRAFT DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . 8-13

SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS ... . . . . . . . . 14-21


TRACKING AND DATA ACQUISITION . . . . . . ..
22-23

DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS PLAN . . . . ..


23-24

LAENCH OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
25

AE-C MISSION FACTS AT A GLANCE . . . . . . 26


| PROGRAM MANAGEMENT . . . ..
. . . . . . .. 27-28
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
w- Washington, D. C. 20546

FOR RELEASE:
Nick Panagakos December 10, 1973
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
(Phone: 202/755-368n)

Joseph McRoberts
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
(Phone: 301/982-5566)
RELEASE NO: 73-269

ORBIT-CHANGING SPACECRAFT READY FOR LAUNCH

NASA is preparing to launch a maneuverable unmanned


spacecraft that will be linked through a sophisticated
ground computer with scientists in widely scattered parts

of the country in a global study of Earth's outer atmosphere.

Atmosphere Explorer C (AE-C) will be launched atop


a Delta rocket from the Western Test Range, Lompoc, Calif.,

about December 13.

Purpose of this and two subsequent missions in 1975


is to explore in detail an area from 120 to 300 kilometers

(72 to 120 miles) altitude where important energy transfer,


atomic, and molecular processes and chemical reactions occur
that are critical to the heat balance of the atmosphere.

-more- November 23, 1973


-2-

Up to now, this area has been probed a few minutes at

a time by sounding rockets and onlv at widely separated

points, mostly in the Western Hemisphere. An extensive

world-wide investigation of this region will have a signi-

figant impact on the scientific community's efforts to construct


complete models of Earth's outer environment, and will also

add to our understanding of the complex energy-conversicn

processes which control this envirnoment.

The main energy input to the atmosphere is known

to come from the absorption of solar ultraviolet radiation,

and a substantial portion comes from the solar wind ( a mass

of ionized gas flowing out of the Sun) interacting with the


atmosphere in the polar regions. An immediate consequence

of this interaction can be seen in the aurae, whose bands


of light consume more energy than is used by the entire
United States. The magnitude and variability of this high

latitude heat source which, during geomagnetic storms causes


worldwide radio blackouts, is poorly understood. An important

objective of this mission is to investigate these processes


and mechanisms.

The spacecraft will also examine particle fluxes, airglow


intensities, plasma densities, and temperatures and magnetic
fields at the low altitudes where the energy dissipation occurs.
Thase measurements will be used to assess the heat balance and

energy conversion mechanisms, as well as the flow of heat or

energy from one hemisphere to the other.

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*1. -3-

51 after
Atmosphere Explorer, to be called Explorer
of 4300 km
launch, will be placed in an initial polar orbit
(2580 miles) by 156 km (93 miles). Every few weeks, through
be changed
use of an onboard propulsion system,. its orbit will
of 120 km
by lowering perigee (lowest point) to the neighborhood
of data
(72 milesl It will be maintained there for several days
the onboard
gathering, and then boosted back to a higher orbit by
propulsion system.

a circular orbit
At the 120 km altitude, a spacecraft in
eventually destroyed
would be pulled down by atmospheric drag and
by atmospheric friction. AE-C's elliptical orbit circumvents

this problem, although a substantial velocity change is


required periodically to offset apoqee decay caused by the

aerodynamic drag.

After eight months, the orbit will he circularized and


kilometers
maintained at various altitudes between 300 and 600

(180 and 360 miles) during the remainder of the mission.

Design lifetime is in excess of one year.

Should a solar flare or other interesting phenomenon


Space
occur, a central ground computer complex at the Goddard

Flight Center, Greenbelt( Md.r will enable the 17 scientist-


to coordinate
investigators utilizing the 14 onboard instruments

their activities while the event is actually happening.

-more-
There has been no way for such real-time exchange of
scientific information in the past. Generally, data have been
collected by the NASA field center involved and transmitted
on tape or via documents to individual scientists for study
over weeks, months or years. This rapid data exchange among
the participating scientists will allow them to use the AE-C

spacecraft like a laboratory instrument, and to make changes


in orbit and instrument operations in the light of the prelimi-

nary results obtained.

The spacecraft design, making use of existi.ng technology,


is relatively inexpensive. Costs for all three spacecraft
are expected to total about $20 million.

The general configuration of the AE satellite is a 16-sided


polyhedron. The cylindrical spacecraft is 135 centimeters (53
inches) in-diameter and 115 centimeters (45 inches) high. It
weighs 660 kilograms (1450 pounds) including 95 kilograms
(212 pounds) of instrumentation.

Program management is under the direction of NASA's Office


of Space Science, Washington, D.C., and project management of
the spacecraft afd Delta is the responsibility of Goddard Space
Flight Center, Greenhelt, Md. Launch operations have been
assigned to Kennedy Space Center's Western Test Range, Operations

Division. RCA Corp., Princeton, ?'.J., is the spacecraft prime 4

contractor, and McDonnell-Douglas Corp. builds the launch vehicle.

(END OF GENERAL RELEASE; BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOLLOWS.)


AE-C Mission Profile Showing
Data Acquisition and Orbital Adjust Operations

Alternate Data
Perigee Height Acquisition
Adjustment

-Passage Oriented or
Spinning Data
Acquisition

Data Retrieval O
and Missiona
Programming -
It.

IN, -5-

MISSION DESCRIPTION

Atmosphere Explorers C,D, and E mark a new approach in


scientific spacecraft. They differ in the orbit flown, in
the team approach taken by the investigators, in the degree
of interaction between the investigators and the spacecraft
and data operations, and in the rapidity with which data must
he acquired, processed, and analyzed.

The data of each investigator are available to all


investigators, and the investigators interact as a team to
contribute to operational decisions.
These second-generation Atmosphere Explorers represent
a logical continuation and extension of a basic program in
aeronomy being conducted by NASA. The first aeronomv satellite,
Explorer 17, was launched on April 2, 1q63. It used laboratory-
type vacuum system techniques and obtained the first direct
quantitative measures of various atanos;,heric parameters.
The resulting new data and concepts 1ndxcated the need
for conducting measurements during flights in a way that
would permit separating the effects of local ti:e, latitude
and altitude. As a result, the second Atmosphere Explorer
satellite, Explorer 32, was launched in Ma, of 1966 in a
nearly fixed-periqee orbit (inclination 64 degrees" which
essentially uncoupled the altitudinal and local time aspects
of the orbit but provided low-altitude data at only one latitude.

The results of the Explorer 17 and 32 missions demonstrated


the need to conduct satellite measurements at sianificantlv lower
altitudes. In particular, it became evident that tne behavior
of the upper thermosphere is strongly governed by the lower
thermosphere, because most of the solar ultraviolet energy is
absorbed at altitudes below those normally attainable by
satellites. Experimental study of the lower thermosphere thus
became a primary goal of the aeronomy program.

In addition, the scope of investigations was expanded hv in-


cluding measurements of ultraviolet energy input and other factors
necessary for determining excitation and ionization rates as
well as measurements of atmospheric structural parameters
(e.g., neutral and charged particle composition, concentration,
and temperature). In particular, the second-generation Atmo-
sphere Explorers will study:

:4L
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U -6-

0 Composition of, and processes in the thermosDherP


such as:
- Ion and neutral composition and reaction rates;

- Energetics of the ionized atmosphere;


- Processes which control the low energy electron
spectra; and
- Air glow excitation processes.
° Global structure and dynamics of the neutral
atmosphere.

The scientists hope the data to be taken, and the intRr-


pretations to be made of those data, will bring new insight
into the processes taking place in the lower thermosphere,
and in other regions affected by the lower thermosphere. Such
understanding could Possibly lead to better predictions of
climate and weather.
In order to make such studies oossible and fruitful,
new management and technical approaches were adopted:
The spacecraft will use onboard fuel to dip into and
out of the atmosphere to an altitude which would cause
the loss of a passive, circular-orbit spacecraft in
less than one revolution.
A research team with a set of cohesive, interlocking
objectives is used, rather than a group of individual
investigators with necessarily different objectives
and approaches.
The mission requires very extensive tracking, command,
and data handling facilities on the ground which
necessitates the use of a dedicated computer for data
reduction and analysis in near real-time.

The altitude range of primary interest is 150 km to


500 km. In addition, excursions down to 120 km are desirable
to obtain specific measurements.

A-
-more-
-7-

AE-C will be placed initially in a highly eccentric


orbit with 68.1 degrees inclination, perigee near 150 kilometers
(90 miles) and apogee of 4300 kilometers (2580 miles). At
intervals of several weeks perigee may be lowered for brief
periods to the lowest altitude consistent with spacecraft and
instrument safety. Also, propulsion will be used occasionally
to maintain apogee near 4000 kilometers altitude. After several
months the apogee will be allowed to fall and, through the use
of propulsion, a sequence of circular orbits will be established
at each of several pre-selected altitudes in the range of 250
to 700 kilometers (150-420 miles). This circular orbit phase
of the mission will continue until the fuel is nearly depleted,
perhaps a year after launch. In the final phase the remaining
fuel may be used to place the satellite in a stable orbit that
will provide optimum long range sampling. This final orbit
will be complementary with the orbits of the following AE missions.
The AE spacecraft has an orbit-adjust propulsion system
carrying 168 kilograms (370 lbs) of fuel and employing three
hydrazine thrusters to provide a means of adjusting perigee
and apogee altitudes. Firing will be done primarily in the
despin mode with the spacecraft in either the standard or
inverted position to either increase or decrease the velocity
and, therefore, change the orbit. The thrusters are also
fired at perigee to maintain the 4000 km apogee. A backup
spinning thrust mode will also be provided. The main thrust
will be a 1.8 kilogram (3.96 lbs) flight qualified unit.
Spacecraft dynamics and errors must be small enough to allow
velocity increments of 2.5 meters (8.15 feet) per second without
exceeding the spacecraft altitude errors. It is expected to
.use 2.3 kilograms (5.06 lbs) of propellant for each "up" or
"down" excursion using approximately six pounds of propellant
for one maneuver. Design considerations make the AE spacecraft
capable of withstanding aerodynamic heating effects at a perigee
of 120 k:m while spinning and 150 km when despun.
SPACECRAFT DESCRIPTION

The Atmosphere Explorer spacecraft is 135 centimeters


(53.5 in.) in diameter and 115 centimeters (45 inches) high.
The spacecraft and experiments will weigh approximately 660
kilograms (1450 pounds) and will be designed to minimize un-
balancing torques created by atmospheric drag encountered at
perigee. Solar cells mounted on the top and sides of the
outer shells will supply electrical power for the spacecraft
and experiments. Various sensors and probes will project
through the outer skin to collect data and provide spacecraft
attitude control information. The spacecraft is equipped with
hydrazine thrusters to provide orbit adjustment capability,
thus permiting data collection over a great range of orbits.

Structural Subsystem
The spacecraft structure consists of reinforced platforms
for equipment mounting, an adapter section for launch vehicle
compatibility, a suitable number of reinforced handling and
lifting pads, and the outer covers.
The equipment platforms will provide the structural mounting
surfaces-for the outer shell, scientific instruments, electronic
packages, attitude control systems, hydrazine thruster sub-
system, and launch vehicle adapter. The top of the outer
shell will provide a mounting surface for the solar cells and
telemetry antennas as well as viewing ports for the solar
oriented spectrometers, and the solar cells will also
be mounted on the sides of the outer shell to supply the
necessary power. Instrument viewing ports will be provided
in various locations on the outer shell.
Thermal Subsystem

Aerodynamic heating as well as solar heating in both the


spin and despin modes will contribute to the spacecraft thermal
input. Active thermal control provided by a thermally actuated
set of louvers on the bottom of the spacecraft that along with
heat sinks, insulation and isolation will confine the tempera-
tures of thu spacecraft internal e'uipment to a range of 10 C
to 35 C. (4-05I. to 95g.)

Attitude Control Subsystem


The attitude control subsystem has a momentum wheel for
spinning body stabilization, magnetic torquers for orientation
and momentum control, nutation dampers for oscillation control
and attitude sensors.

-more-
-9

The spacecraft has two modes of operation, the spin


mode and the despin mode. In the spin mode, the spacecraft
will be rotating about the spin axis (Z) which will be normal
to the orbital plane. The spin rate is variable by ground
command from 0.5 to 10 rpm. A fixed rate of
of 4 rpm which is independent of spacecraft momentum and mass
properties is also provided and is initiated by ground command.
In the despin mode, the spacecraft Y-axis will be aligned
with the local vertical and the spin axis (Z) normal to the
orbital plane. Ground command may select either a standard
position (earth pointing) or an inverted position (zenith
pointing).

The momentum wheel provides a momentum reference for


stabilizing the spacecraft and a reaction torque for controlling
the spin rate and despin attitude. The initial angular momentum
will be attained by spinning the spacecraft using the Delta
vehicle.
The magnetic torquers control the spacecraft orientation and
momentum magnitude. Horizon sensing will be used to determine
orientation. A magnetic precession torque applied to the spin
axis will align the axis normal to the orbital plane. An auto-
matic and/or ground-command controller will generate the magnetic
torques.
Passive nutation dampers during the despin mode of the
operation will damp spacecraft oscillations induced by vehicle
separation, aerodynamic drag, thruster firing, and other dis-
turbing forces.

The attitude sensors for determining the spacecraft attitude


consist of infrared horizon scanners and solar-aspect sensors.
The attitude-control subsystem will also provide suffi-
cient telemetry data to permit ground-operation assessment
and subsystem command control.
Orbit Adjust Propulsion Subsystem
The orbit-adjust propulsion subsystem uses one or more
hydrazine thrusters to provide a means for adjusting perigee
and apogee altitudes. Firing will be done primarily in the
despin mode with the spacecraft in either the standard or
inverted position to either increase or decrease the velocity
and, therefore change the orbit.

-more-
The main thruster is a 1.8 kilogram (4 pounds) flight-
qualified unit. Spacecraft dynamics and alignment errors will
be small enough to allow velocity increments of 2.5 meters
(8.2 feet) per second without exceeding the spacecraft atti-
tude errors. The spacecraft tankage system is capable of
carrying 170 kilograms (37n pounds) of propellant to produce
a total change in velocity of approximately 600 meters
(1980 feet) per second.

Power Subsystem
The spacecraft power will be supplied by a subsystem
consisting of a negative N-on-P solar array, redundant nickel
cadmium (NiCd) batteries and the associated power.distribution
unit, chargers, power regulators, and converters.
The solar array will cover the top and sides of the
spacecraft. The spacecraft bus voltage is -24.5 volts.
The power available for science operation at the beginning
of life (BOL) is 100 watts at a 30 percent duty cycle per orbit.
At least once a day the experiment power will be 100 watts contin-
uous for 120 minutes in lieu of the 60 minute period.
The power supplied to the scientific instruments after
one year in orbit will be 100 watts at approximately 15 percent
duty cycle.

Communications and Data Handling


The communications and data-handling subsystem consist
of four distinct areas: telemetry, tracking, command and control,
and the antennas.
Telemetering of the instrument and spacecraft data will
be accomplished using redundant encoders, spacecraft clocks,
tape recorders, and S-Band and VHF transmitters.
Redundant VHF transmitters will telemeter data in real time.
The transmitters will operate in the 137 MHz band, employ PCM/PM
modulation, and radiate a minimum power of 1 watt.

-more-
The PCM telemetry summary is as follows:
* Telemetry: PCM 16,384 bps real time and
tape record
PCM 131, 072 bps playback
* Transmitter: VHF, 137.23 MHz PCM/PM
S-Band, 2289.50 MHz PCM/PM
* Znooder: Main frame channels at 16 eight-bit
samples per second; subcom channels
at one eight-bit sample per four
seconds and one eight-bit sample
per eight seconds.
Simultaneous real time and playback using the VHF and
S-Band links.

Tracking will be accomplished using transponders and


0.25-watt beacons.

The 137 MHz beacon will be operated continuously in order


to provide Minitrack data and, also, acquisition at some
of the network sites.

Command Control. Spacecraft command and control will be


accomplished by utilizing a PCM instruction command system
with the spacecraft compatible for operation at Spacecraft
Tracking and Data Network sites.
Antennas*. An omnidirectional antenna will be provided for
the VHF telemetry, beacon, and command signals. An omni-
directional S-Band antenna will be provided for S-Band tele-
metry, command and tracking.

Engineering Measurements (EMS)


The EMS is a set of sensors that provides essential
engineering data for the operation and evaluation of the
spacecraft system and scientific instrumentation. Pressure causes,
and accelerometers are required for control of orbit adjust-
ments and evaluation of drag performance. The accelerometers
serve dual functions by providing engineering data and gene-
rating velocity change control signals. The accelerometers
will also provide data on'the composition of atmospheric densitv.

LAUNCH VEHICLE
For AE-C, the two stage Delta 1900 launch vehicle will be 2
used. The vehicle, has an overall length of approximately 35
meters (116 feet) and a maximum body diameter of 2.48 meters
(8 feet). The nominal launch weight is 131,460 kilograms (292,130
pounds), including the nine booster thrust-augmentation solid motors.
W-

-12-

The first stage is a McDonnell Douglas Astronautics


Company modified Thor booster incorporating ninb strap-on
powered
Thiokol solid fuel rocket motors. The booster isand liquid
by a Rocketdyne MB-3 engine using liquid oxyqen
hydro-carbon propellants. The main engine is gimbal-mounted
engine
to provide pitch and yaw control from lift-off to main pro-
cutoff (MECO). Two liquid propellant vernier engines
vide roll control throughout first stage operation and pitch
and yaw control from MECO to first stage separation.
The second stage is powered by an Aeroject General
which is also
Corporation liquid fuel pressure AJ-ln-118F fed engine
gimbal-mounted to provide pitch and yaw control through
second stage burn. A nitrogen gas system using eight and
fixed nozzles provides roll control during powered second
coast flight as well as pitch and yaw control after
stage cutoff. Two fixed nozzles, fed by the propellant
tank helium pressurization system, provide retro-thrust
after spacecraft separation.
The Atmosphere Explorer spacecraft will be attached to
the Delta second stage by means of a standard attach fitting
which incorporates the separation system.
The standard Delta fairing which is attached to the
forward face of the second stage is 560 centimeters long
(224 inches) and 162.5 centimeters (65 inches) in diameter.
This fairing, which protects the spacecraft from aerodynamic
as the
heating during the boost flight, is jettisoned as soon second
vehicle leaves the sensible atmosphere shortly after
stage ignition.
inertial
An all-inertial quidance svstem consisting of an the
sensor package and digital guidance computer controls
vehicle and sequence of operations from 1.ftoff to third
stage (or spacecraft, for two-stage restart missions) sepa-
and
ration. The sensor package provides vehicle attitude
acceleration information to the guidance computer. The
to
guidance computer generates vehicle steering commands
each stage to correct trajectory deviations by comparing
computed position and velocity against prestored values.
In addition, the guidance computations perform the
functions of timing and staging as well as issuing pre-
programmed command attitude rates during the open loop
and coast guidance phases. For a second stage restart
mission, the second burn is also performed under the con-
trol of the inertial guidance system.

-more-
-13-

After second stage burnout, the vehicle will be reori-


ented so that the spacecraft spin axis is normal to the orbit
plane. The desired orbital spin rate will be achieved by
rolling the vehicle prior to spacecraft separation.

-more-
-14-

SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS

AZ-C carries 14 scientific instruments. These will Perform


simultaneous measurements of incoming solar radiation and Earth's
atmosphere to provide information on the physical processes that
govern the composition of the lower thermosphere and the ionosp-
here, thus making possible study of the closely interlocking
cause -and-effeat relationships that control Earth's near-space
environment.

Ultraviolet (Nitric Oxide) Photometer

The ultraviolet nitric oxide (UVNO) photometer will measure


the ultraviolet radiation from the upper atmosphere to determine
the distribution of nitric oxide in the Earth's atmosphere as a
function of altitude, location, and time.
The UV emissions will be measured with an ultraviolet spect-
rometer which is mounted in the spinning section of the spacecraft.
The intensity, as a function of observing angle will be related to
the density as a function of height. The knowledge of the vertical
distribution in the atmosphere, which will be gained by spatical
scanning at selected ultraviolet wavelengths will contribute to
the understanding of the dynamics of the upper atmosphere.
The instrument consists of a fixed grating spectrometer with
a telescope and two photomultiplier tubes with their associated
high voltage supplies, amplifiers, and logic circuits. The spect-
rometer is an Ebert monochromator.
Investigator: C. A. Barth, University of Colorado.

Cylindrical Electrostatic Probe


The cylindrical electrostatic probe (CEP) will obtain mea-
surements of electron temperature and concentration required for
the studies of the thermal and particle balance of the thermosphere.
In addition, the probe measurements will be employed in conjuction
with concurrent ionosphere spacecraft, such as ISIS-2, in studies
relating the structure and behavior of the lower F-region to that
of the upper F-region.
The probe employs two cylindrical collectors mounted on short
booms that protrude into the plasma surrounding the spacecraft.
Two collectors are employed to provide redundant measurements for
use in evaluating possible measurement errors. One sensor ie
mounted parallel to the spacecraft spin axis; thereby reiaining
perpendicular to the spin axis and sweeps through all angles re-
lative to the velocity vector as the spacecraft spins.
-15-

Investigator: Larry Brace, Goddard Space Flight Center

Bennett (Positive) Ion Mass Spectrometer


A Bennett (positive) ion mass spectrometer (BIMS) will
make measurements of atmospheric ion composition throughout
the altitude range of the proposed AE-C orbits, thereby obtaining
the ion data required for the coordinated study of the
thermosphere.
The spectrometer will make continuous high resolution
measurements of thermal positive ions between 1 and 72 amu,
sweeping the mass range in 4.6@ seconds, end detecting all
ions of concentration 5 ion/cmi to 4 x 10 ion/cm3 . On
command, the instrument will switch to a high-mass only mode
| which permits tripling the spatial resolution of perigee
data by continuously sweeping the mass range.
Investigator: Henry Brenton, Goddard Space Flight Center

Atmosphere Density Accelerometer


The atmospheric density accelerometer (MESA) will measure
the neutral density of the atmosphere in the altitude range
120-400 km by measurements of spacecraft deceleration.due
to aerodynamic drag. Accurate knowledge of the neutral
density and its variations is reauired for a comprehensive
understanding of the processes and energy mechanisms which
control the structure and behavior of the upper atmosphere.
The instrument consists of three single-axis miniature
electrostatic accelerometers (MESA) and the associated
-electronics. Two of the accelerometers lie in the X-Y plane
of the spacecraft separated by an angle of 90 degrees with
the displacement angle bisecting the spacecraft X-axis.
The third accelerometer lies along the spacecraft Z-axis.
The sensing portion of the instrument consists of an electro-
statically supported proof mass that is electrostatically
pulse-rebalanced along the preferred sensitive axis.
The dynamic range of the instrument is from 1 g to
2 x 10-5 g. The instruments will be located as close as
possible to the spacecraft center of mass with the proof mass
of each instrument centered along the spacecraft Z-axis.
Investigator: K. Champion, Air Force Cambridge 1esearch
Laboratories.

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-16-

Photoelectron Spectrometer
The photoelectron spectrometer (PES) will measure the
intensity and energy distribution of the photoelectron flux
in the thermosphere in the 2 to 100 electron volt (ev) range,
and primary electrons from 50 ev to 500 ev. It will provide
high resolution data on the photoelectron energy spectrum
and will monitor the energetic particle flux to above 100 kev.
The photoelectron spectrometer uses a 1800 hemispherical
electrostatic deflector coupled to an electron multiplier
detector. Apertures in the input and output focal plane
of the deflector serve as field stops for the analyzer,
and establish the resolution of the device which is typically
5 percent. An additional larger aperture placed in front
of the first analyzer aperture serves to define the entrance
pupil of the system. The first two apertures thus establish
the ge metiic factor for the analyzer, which is on the order
of 10- cm ster-,independent of electron energy, provided
the effects of stray magnetic fields can be neglected. A
trap is placed behind the entrance aperture to catch high
energy particles and reduce the background from photoelectrons
generated within the analyzer.
Investigator: J. Doering, Joh:ns Hopkins University

Retarding Potential Analyzer

The retarding potential analyzer (RPA) will provide


accurate measurements of ion temperature, concentration,
and composition. In addition, the instrument will measure
the ion drift velocity and the thermal and suprathermal
electron energy distributions.

The sensor consists of an 8-centimeter diameter cylinder


with a 2-cm diameter aperture through which charged particles
pass before striking a solid collector. The path between
the aperture and collector is electrically segmented by a
series of grids whose potentials are controlled by the
main electronics box.

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-17-

The instrument operates in two modes, mode I and mode II.


Mode I operation will be used principally during the spinning
phase of spacecraft operation. Voltage upsweep and downsweep
(between the limits of +32.0 and 0 volts) provide information
on the concentration and temperature of the principal ions
present. Upsweep, however,is more sensitive to properties
of minor heavy ions (i.e., 0+ in H+, or NO+ in 0+) while
downsweep is more sensitive to properties of minor light ions
(i.e., 0+ in NO+ or H+ in 0+).
Mode II operation is the one principally used *;hen the
spacecraft is not spinning. The voltage output at ion
saturation is stored and used at one input terminal of a
difference amplifier. The other terminal is tied to the
"live" ion saturation output voltage. Fractional ion con-
, centration changes as small as 10- are detected with a
spatial resolution of 130 meters.

Investigator: W. B. Hanson, University of Texas at Dallas


Visual Airglow, Photometer

The visual airglow photometer (VAE) will provide detailed


data on the rates of excitation of the atomic and molecular
constituents in the thermosphere.
The instrument is basically a bandpass filter photometer.
It consL.sts of two basic data channels, a narrow field of
l' view, and a wide field of view. Common to both channels are
an eight element filter wheel, command processing, data memory,
and low voltage power supply.
Measurements will be made of dayglow, aurora, and night-
glow phenomena. With information from the spacecraft on solar
euv fluxes and neutral composition the intensity of the radiation
at 7319-7330 A can be calibrated as a remote monitor of the rate
of photo ionization and of energy input to the atmosphere.
Measurements of the second positive band of molecular nitroqan
(3371 A) and the oxygen green line (5577 A) emissions, combined
with neutral composition data, will provide information on two
different regions of the photoelectron spectrum. At altitudes
below about 200 km, measurements of the oxygen red line (6300 A)
will be useful in studies of the densities of atomic and molecular
oxygen. From the intensity of radiation at 5200 A the density
of nitrogen atoms in the metastable 2 D term can be derived.

-more-

._ _ _ _
-18-

For the aurora, the nitrogen first negative band (4278 A)


will provide a remote monitor of the rate of energy deposition
in the atmosphere, playing a role similar to that of the oxygen
radiation (7319 to 7330 A) during the day. At night, information
will be obtained on the recombination of the ionosphere from
data on the 5200 A line, the oxygen red line, and at high
altitudes the oxygen green line. Green line and Herzberg I
emission rates at altitudes near 90 km, which can be deduced
from higher altitude measurements will indicate how fast
atomic oxygen is recombining. From 5200 A intensities, the
N (2D) densities can be deduced and the results used as input
to studies of nitric oxide production, as well as for studies
of the noctural heating of ionospheric electrons.

Investigator: P. B. Hayes, University of Michigan

Extreme Solar Ultraviolet Monitor


The extreme solar ultraviolet monitor (ESUMj will monitor
the EUV solar flux in six wavelength intervals from 40 to
1220A which represents a major source of energy input into the
lower 1-hermosphere. Secondly, it will measure the broadband
absorption of the atmosphere as a function of altitude to
determine effective ionization rates as a function of altitude
for N2 and 0.
The ESUM consists of four channeltron electron multipliers,
three photo diodes, a stepped eight-position filter wheel which
contains six unbacked metallic filters which are transparent
in the vicinity of the plasma frequency, a calibration position,
and an opaque position. This configuration offers a high data
redundancy for the instrument and since each of the filters is
wed with each of the detectors, will provide a relative inflight
calibration of all the detectors.
Investigator: Donald Heath, Goddard Space Flight Center

Solar Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer


Thie solar extreme ultraviolet spectrophotometer (EUVS) will
measure the spectral distribution of intensity in the wavelength
range4 extending from 140 to 1850 Angstroms (A). The instrument
consists of 24 monochromators, 12 of which will record inten-
sities at certain fixed wavelengths which are critical to
studies of atmospheric structure and to an understanding of
mechanisms of dissipation of the input radiant energy. Each
of the remaining monochromators will scan a limited wavelength
range to give, in total, complete coverage of the 140 to
1850 A region.

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Spectral measurements will be made under three different


conditions as follows: outside the regions of atmospheric
absorption; attenuated flux measurements made during portions of
the orbit which are near perigee; and occulation measurement
of the attenuated flux will be made at times near spacecraft sun-
rise and sunset. These measurements will be the primary data
for an evaluation of the nature of radiative dissipation, both
temporally and spatially, of extreme ultraviolet fluxes in the
Earth's thermosphere.

The optical-detection system is a monochromator consisting


of a field-limiting entrance aperture, a planar reflection grating,
a collimating mirror or slit system positioned to analyze the
diffracted beam, a thin metallic or crystalline filter, an exit
slit, and an ultraviolet-sensitive photodetector.
Investigator: H. E. Hinteregger, Air Force Cambridge Labor-
atories.

Magnetic Ion Mass Spectrometer

The magnetic ion mass spectrometer (MIMS) will give absolute


concentrations of each positive ion species in the ionosphere in
the mass range 1 to 64 amu to achieve a quantitative understanding
of the physical, chemical, and dynamic processes that take place
in the thermosphere. The ion data will also be used to study the
distributions of meteoric ions and the SiO+, as well as the AR+
ion chemistry. The concentration of atomic hydrogen and its global
distribution can be obtained by measuring the concentrations of
H+ and 0+ with the ion spectrometer an 0 with the neutral spectro-
meter. H+/O+ ratio will reveal the degree of isotopic enrichment
which takes place in the earth's atmosphere. Data on the isotopic
ratio of oxygen ions may yield information on the mixing strength
at lower altitudes in the atmosphere.
The instrument is a small aberration magnetic deflection mass
spectrometer. It consists of an entrance aperture that is oriented
to look out of the spacecraft equator normal to the spin axis, an
electrostatic analyzer, and a magnetic analyzer. The electric and
magnetic fields are arranged to produce a mass spectrum alcng a
focal plane following the magnetic analyzer.
Investigator: J. H. Hoffman, University of Texas at Dallas

Low Energy Electron Spectrometer

The low energy electron (LEE) spectrometer will monitor the


energy imput to the thermosphere from electrons in the energy
range 0.2 to 25 kev, determine the characteristics of fiell
aligned currents in the transauroral zone, and whether electric
fields parallel to the magnetic field lines exist and are the
cause of the field aligned currents, and, if so, obtain their
location and strength; and will study the magnetospheric substorm
precipitation with complete electron measurements.
J 2

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comprised
The instrument consists of 19 detectors, each
channel electron multiplier,
of an electrostatic analyzer and
and will have two modes of operation.
The monitor mode will provide good energy resolution,
angle measure-
moderate temporal resolution, and reduced pitch primary
data acquisition simultaneous with the
ments, with the satellite is
aeronomical and ionospheric experiments when
either in the spinning or despun modes.
pitch and
The data mode will provide sufficient energy, the
angle and temporal resolution to completely characterize
in the auroral and
important electron radiation encountered
transauroral regions.
Center
Investigator: R. A. Hoffman, Goddard Space Flight

Open-Source Neutral Mass Spectrometer


(OSS) will measure
The open-source neutral mass spectrometer
of the neutral gas consti-
the concentrations and distributions expected to determine
tuents in the thermosphere. These data are
distributions of neutral hydrogen,
the instantaneous and global nitrogen. and argon, and
helium, atomic and molecular oxygen,
of anproximatelv 120
the total mass densitv above an altitude auan-
kilometers (km). In addition, the experiment will prcvide
mr.surements of trace constituents within the mass range
titative will be used in
1 - 46 atoi..sc mass units (amu). These results and dynamic
a comprehensive study of the chemical, energetic,
processes that control the structure of the therinosphrre.
ion
The mass spectrometer employs an electron bombardmemt type
magnetic deflection
source together with a double-focusing wil1 be measured
mass analysis system. The analyzed ion currents
amplifiers.
with electron multipliers and electrometer

Investigator: A. 0. Nier, University of Minnesota

Neutral Atmosphere Composition Spectrometer


(NACE)
The neutral atmosphere compostition spectrometer
the neutral
uses a closed source mass spectrometer to measure
amu.
atmospheric concentrations of gases of mass 1 to 46

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The sensor is a quadrupole analyzer employing a spherical


antechamber to interface with the ambient atmosphere through a
knife-edge orifice. It consists of a dual-filament ion
source, a quadrupole analyer utilizing hyperbolic rods, and an
off-axis electron multiplier. The spectrometer has a resolution
of better than one amu for all masses between 1 and 46, and the
measurement system has a dynamic range of approximately 108.
The electronic system consists of an electrode power supply
and emission regulator, RF oscillator detector, and logic sub-
systems.
Investigator: D. T. Pelz, Goddard Space Flight Center.

Neutral Atmosphere Temperature Spectrometer

The neutral atmosphere temperature spectrometer (NATE) will


provide direct measurements of the kinetic temperature of the
neutral gas in the thermosphere, the molecular nitrogen density,
and the total neutral gas density.

The instantaneous concentration of atmosoheriL molecular


nitrogen in a spherical chamber will be measured. The spherical
chamber, located on a radius of the spinning spacecraft with its
knife-edged orifice plane normal to the radius vector, exhibits
an internal density variation that is predictable by kinetic
theory. Analysis of the variation of the concentration in the
chamber, with knowledge of the satellite velocity and orientation,
permits a determination-of the ambient kinetic temperature of
molecular nitrogen, independent of scale height. A measurement of
the ambient nitrogen density is also obtained.
The electronic system consists of a pulse counter, data pro-
cessor, power supplies, and logic. The measurement system provides
a digital output that is proportional to the instantaneous density
of neutral molecular nitrogen in the spherical antechamber.
Investigator: N. Spencer, Goddard Space Fliglt Center
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TRACKING AND DATA ACQUISITION


The Networks Directorate will provide tracking, command and data
acquisition support for the AE-C.
Tracking data will be forwarded from the ground stations to
the GSFC by means of ground and/or radio links.
In order to provide the ability to readjust the orbit if
too low after a firing, a tracking/compute capability will be
provided to permit verification of the new orbit within 15 minutes.
Commands to the spacecraft, including those to be loaded into
the spacecraft command memory, will be originated in the AE Operat-
ions Control Center (AEOCC), and transmitted to the remote site
during or before the time the site is in contact with the spacecraft.
The thrust of the change is that commands are not and cannot be
transmitted from AEOCC to the spacecraft directly.
Telemetry data will be forwarded from the ground stations
to the AEOCC upon receipt by means of ground and/or radio links.
All telemetry (TM) data will be forwarded, to the extent possible
at the rate received.
The Rosman, N.C. and Madrid, Spain stations will transmit the
real-time telemetry data stream to the AEOCC as received. Other
sites will strip spacecraft and selected science data for trans-
mission to the AEOCC as received and will transmit the balance of
the data at the rate permitted by the link. Rosman will transmit
tape recorded data as received and other sites will transmit them
at a reduced rate.
There will also be requirements for forwarding other data to
permit processing within two hours after acquisition data to permit
processing within two hours after acquisition and for forwarding
the remainder within 24 hours.
AE Operations Control Center
All telemetry data will flow through the AEOCC where com-
mand verifications, information on spacecraft, and attitude data
(for orbit and attitude verifications) will be stripped out and
the remaining data transmitted to the Central processor.

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for an AEOCC have


AE spacecraft functional requirements center computer. To
control
led to the selection of a Sigma 5
provide redundancy for essential functions the two Sigma 5s are
in the same area. However, separate control center
located Interfaces between the
and auxiliary equipment will be used. attitude computers will
Sigma 5 and the TM and the orbit and
hard line computer communications
be provided by means of standard Division will provide the
channels. Goddard's Mission Operations
for the Operations Control
management and operational support
Center.

DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS PLAN


return and achieve maximum
In order to optimize the scientific
capabilities of the AE spacecraft,
utilization of the variable orbit system is provided for
an on-line central processing analysis
and analysis for the
performing the majority of data reduction
comprise the Aeronomy Team.
investigators and theorists which
(one to several days) on analysis
Providing short turn-around times permit adaptive mission plan-
of selected aeronomy problems will
ning while the spacecraft is in mayapproximately the same location.
Team want to study a particular
For example, the Aeronomy at a perigee of 150 km
latitude in the northern hemisphere condition for three con-
(90 miles) during a highlv disturbed
existing during a one
secutive days after noting the condition planning will be made
day low perigee excursion. The adaptive analytical capability
possible by means of the fast turn-around
whole spacecraft may, thus,
within the central processor. The
be operated like a laboratory instrument.

data processing, reduction


The computer system to support AE Data Systems (XDS) Sigma 5,
of a Xerox
and analysis is a combination The Sigma 5 is connected
Sigma 9, Sigma 3, and remote terminals.sites through NASCOM communi-
to the remote telemetry acquisition Sigma 9 by high speed communi-
cations lines and interfaced to the processor to the Sigma 9. The
cations line. It acts as an input remote site terminals through
Sigma 9 is connected to Investigator
the Sigma 3 communications processor.
direct access
The Sigma 5 input processor has sufficient from three remote
input
storage to simultaneously buffer data time correct, and verify the
telemetry acquisition sites; collect,
resulting data to the central
data; and then rapidly transmit the store the latest data on direct
computer. The central computer will
and will maintain a library
access storage for quick look purposes,
of all the data on tape.
user file handling
A data management facility will service retrieve telemetry
will automatically
and data retrieval requests and it in direct access files.
data from a tape library and place

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The Investigators will be aide to submit both interactive


and remote batch programs, using remote terminals with high
speed printers, card readers and CRT displays communicating over
direct telephone lines. Multidrop 4800 bps line sharing will be
used to reduce communication costs while maintaining rapid
response. All of the data base as well as the facilities of the
central computer will be available to the Investigator through these
terminals. These facilities include common orbit/attitude-inter-
polation, scientific and numerical analysis routines as well as the
normal services of an interactive/batch time sharing operating
system.

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LAUNCH OPERATIONS

NASA launch operations from the West Coast are conducted by


the Kennedy Space Center Unmanned Launch Operations, Western
Launch Operations Division. The majority of the KSC contingent
are on permanent assignment at Vandenberg Air Force Base,
although a supplemental group from KSC in Florida assists
during the final preparations and launch countdown.
The AE-C launch vehicle, Delta 99, has been undergoing checkout
and launch preparations since the fiist stage of the Delta
booster was erected on the pad at launch complex SLC-2W on
November 12. The nine Auxiliary solid motors were attached
to the booster on November 12, 13, and 14.

The Delta second stage was mated to the first stage on


November 15. Tests were conducted of the launch vehicle
electrical, mechanical, propulsion, and guidance systems before
the spacecraft was to be mated to the launch vehicle on
December 6. After spacecraft mate, a simulated flight was
to be conducted, the last overall test of the vehicle.

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E AE-C MISSION FACTS AT A GLANCE

Launch: From westtern Test Range,


Lompoc, California.

Launch Vehicle: Two stage Delta with nine solid fuel


strap-on motors.

Orbit: Apogee: 4300 kilometers (2580 miles)


Perigee: 156 kilometers (93 miles)
Period: 130 minutes
Inclination: 68.1 degrees

Operating Lifetime: At least one year.

Spacecraft Weight: 660 kilorams (1450 pounds)

i Structure: Drum-shaped (16-sided polyhedron), 137


centimeters (54 inches) in diameter and
Con-
117 centimeters (45 inches) high.outer,
sists of two shells, inner and
with solar cells, telemetry antennas
and viewing ports on outer shell.
Inner shell holds 14 scientific instruments,
(94.5Skilograms, 270 lbs), electro-
nic packages, attitude control system,
hydrazine thruster subsystem.

Power System: Solar cells on exterior of spacecraft,


redundant nickel cadmium batteries.
Provides 112 watts of power during
normal operation.

Communications and Telemetry, tracking and command and


Data Handling: control and the antennas.

Telemetry: Pulse-coded Modulation (PCM) operating


at 137.23 MHz, VHF 2289.50 MHz S-Band

Tracking and Stations of the Space Trackina


Data Acquisition: and Data Network (STDN) onerated 11v
GSFC.

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1
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PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

NASA Headquarters

Dr. John E. Naugle Associate Administrator for


Space Science

Dr. Alois W. Schardt Director, Physics and Astronomy

C. Dixon Ashworth Program Manager, Astronomical.


and Solar Observatories

Frank W. Gaetano AE Program Manager

Dr. E.R. Schmerling AE Program Scientist

Joseph B. Mahon Director, Launch Vehicle and


Propulsion Propulsion Program

I.T. Gillam IV Small Launch Vehicles and


International Programs Manager

P.T. Eaton Delta Program Manager

Robert R. Stephens Tracking and Data Analysis


Program Manager

Goddard Space Flight Center

Dr. John F. Clark Director

Robert N. Lindley Director, Projects Directorate

David W. Grimes Project Manager

E.Dale Nelsen Assistant Project Manager

Nelson W. Spencer Project Scientist

William D. Hoggard Project Coordinator

Forest H. Wainscott II Project Control Officer

Robert C. Weaver Spacecraft Manager

James A. Findlay Experiment Manager

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David J. Haykin Mission Operations Director

William Schindler Delta Project Manager

William B. Johnson Delta-Spacecraft Coordinator

Kennedy Space Center


John J. Neilon Director, Unmanned Launch Operations

Henry R. Van Goey Manager, Western Launch


Operations Division

Wilmer Thacker Chief, Delta Operations

Carl Latham Spacecraft Coordinator

Contractors
AF.-C Spacecraft RCA Corp., Astro Electronics Div.,
Hiahtstown, N.J.

Delta Launch Vehicle McDonnell-Douglas Astronautics Co.,


Huntington Beach, California

-end-

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