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Aviation History
1960
1960 - 0312.PDF
G.M.T. 312 FLIGHT, 4 March I960 CREW RESTRAINER . VERTICAL TOGGLE1 SWITCHES HORIZONTAL ~ TOGGLE SWITCHES Two crewmen would be at the control panel, one (left) controlling the scientific equipment and the other (right) dealing with environmental control, com- munications and data transmission 1-3, guide telescopes; 4, scope selector switches; 5, Schmidt telescope; 6, Cassegroin telescope; 7, system diagrams; S, environment; 9, emergency controls; 10, Geiger scope; 11, ion-chamber calibration scale; 12, ion-chamber indicator light; 13, VHF radio; 14, command radio; 15, Minitrack; 16, telemetry; 17, flashers. meteorology, cosmology and other related sciences. Based simply on astronomical requirements, a circular orbit in the plane of the Earth's equator or in the plane of the ecliptic might simplify the mathematics of position; while on meteorological considerations a polar orbit would provide coverage of the whole Earth. At latitudes above 40°, however, the lower Van Allen radiation belt approaches the 300-mile level, and the compromise orbit chosen is therefore a circular one inclined at an angle of 40°. The ASO is designed to remain permanently in orbit, with a relief crew and provisions being ferried out to the station from main tank and the re-entry capsule. Two main optical telescopes are carried, a 27in/36in Schmidt for wide- angle (5°X5°) astronomical work; and a 60in Gasse- grain, used either as a long-focus telescope or as a spectrograph, and on which a Geiger telescope is mounted to determine the location of sources of cosmic- ray particles. Intelligence from both telescopes is picked up by an image-orthicon tube and electrically tape- recorded or directly telemetered to Earth. A loop antenna is used to measure low-frequency radiation normally obscured by the Earth's atmosphere. Detectors for energetic particles, gamma rays and X-rays are used to determine particle-energy distribution and time intensity variations, and internal and external ionization chambers are fitted. The arrangement of the two-man instrument console/ control panel (see diagram) was based on the assumption that one operator would be primarily monitoring and controlling the scientific equipment, while the other would monitor the environment-control equipment and also handle communications and data transmission. The scientific operator has the necessary digital read-outs and switches to control the three telescopes of the star- tracker to maintain the capsule position, and also to keep the ASO pointed at the Sun, and the same type of equipment controls the orientation of the two large optical telescopes. The attitude control system of the vehicle utilizes a stellar-corrected inertial platform which commands the actuation of small jets and inertia wheels to maintain the orientation of the ASO in the desired position in space. Personnel quarters are divided into five general areas. The relaxation area has two restraint positions with TV screens, and two positions for sleeping. The second area is for the preparation of food, the third for washing, the fourth is a lavatory and the fifth (located on the central column forward of the kitchen area) is the repair and test station for electrical and mechanical equipment. • Three pressure suits are stored in racks near the control console. At least one man will wear his pressure suit at all times in case of explosive decompression. He will be able to dose his visor, activate the emergency pressure equipment and, if possible, repair Earth every 30 days. The re-entry vehicle would be used only in the rupture. If repair is not possible he can assist the other crew-case of emergency, such as loss of tank atmosphere or irremediable malfunction of life-support equipment. Of the crew of four men, one is on duty at all times, while one sleeps and the other two rest or perform housekeeping duties, according to a strict schedule. One of the off-duty men is on standby duty and wears his space suit (with visor open). In the case of a serious meteorite impact, he can close his visor and take emergency action. Internal temperature is maintained at a fairly constant 72°, and air pressure will be equivalent to that at 10,000ft, slightly enriched with oxygen (see circuit diagram). The scientific equipment is mounted between the top of the members to the air-lock. Adjacent to the air-lock is the shielded radiation chamber. If the radiation level remains excessive the crew would enter the re-entry vehicle and return to Earth. Douglas studies indicate that it is feasible at present to provide a near-terrestrial environment for the crew of the ASO for the period envisaged without depending on a long development pro- gramme for the necessary equipment. The ASO Mock-op at Olympia. Among the companies involved in theconstruction of the full-scale mock-up at the Ideal Home Exhibition are: Bristol Siddeley Engines (rocket motor); Smiths Aircraft Instru-ments (instruments); and Milliard (electronics). Preparing the ASO for operation: from the left: 1, ASO launched towards orbit; 2, in orbit, hydrogen gas vented from fuel tank, purged nitrogen, tested for leaks; 3, 10JD0OH Earth atmosphere introduced, commumcation hatch opened, welded covers removed from working position, equipment transferred from storage areas; 4, solar eeWs open, using airlock a crewman sets up external equipment, ASO ftiMjr opetatio^l
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