The development of a corpuscular radiation experiment for an earth satellite George H. Ludwig , State University of Iowa

[摘要] The satellite S-46 payload system was developed to study the belts of high intensity radiation surrounding the earth. In particular, it was designed to monitor the spatial and temporal intensity structure to a radial distance of about seven earth radii and for a one year period, to permit a crude study of particle composition and energy spectra, and to provide the first exploratory study of the very low energy component of the trapped radiation. The payload consisted of five detectors and their high voltage power supplies, electronic circuits to count and encode their outputs, a telemetry system, and a solar and chemical battery power system. The factors influencing the selection of the payload configuration and the satellite orbit are discussed, and a detailed description of the instumentation is included. The satellite launch attempt on 23 March 1960 failed due to improper functioning of the second, third, and fourth stage rocket assembly. Operation of the instrumentation during the nine minute launch trajectory was, however, completely satisfactory. The detectors and electronics system are still believed capable of fulfilling the initial objectives, and a new set of instruments utilizing similar detectors is being prepared for flight in another satellite-launch vehicle configuration in 1961.