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Aviation History
1963
1963 - 1817.PDF
/^"^x 626 FLIGHT International, 10 October 1963 Cutaway views of the Relay communication satellite: I, wide-band aerial; 2, solar panels; 3, telemetry transmitters; 4, battery charge controller; 5, battery box; 6, cruciform structure; 7, radiation detectors B, C, D; 8, command control box; 9, radiation switch box H; 10, torque coil; II, TT and C aerial; 12, thermal controller; 13, radiation damage panel; 14, radiation effects circuitry; 15, command receivers; lb, wide-band receivers; 17, command decoders; 18, travelling wave tube; 19, precession damper; 20, one-year timer; 21, signal conditioner; 22, radiation detectors £, F; 23, voltage regulator; 24, TWT power supply; 25, telemetry encoder; 26, sun aspect indicator; 27, horizon scanner; 28, radiation detector A; 29, radiation switch box G; 30, microwave beacons Missiles and Spaceflight SPACECRAFT AND TECHNIQUES Among the re maining papers presented at the Paris Congress were the following selection, a number of which we hope to report in fuller detail in subsequent issues. Automated Spacecraft of the United States by Edgar M. Cortright (NASA). Spacecraft are reviewed from the standpoints of mission objectives, scientific instrumentation, design approach, unique technical characteristics and launch vehicle requirements. Crew Systems Development in support of Manned Spaceflight by Richard S. Johnston, Edward L. Hayes and Lawrence F. Dietlein (NASA). This paper describes the crew systems development for Mercury, Gemini and Apollo spacecraft. Weather Observations from Manned Space Stations by Stanley D. Soules and Kenneth M. Nagler (US Weather Bureau). Mercury flights have provided valuable and unprecedented experience in collecting meteorological information. It is apparent that observations by men in space can be used to augment other meteorological information. Manned Lunar Landing Simulation by William B. Knowles Jr (Hughes Air craft Co). A description of analogue computer simulation studies undertaken to evaluate a mode of manual descent derived from the Surveyor soft-landing guidance system. Survey of Weather Satellite Achievements by S. Fred Singer (US Weather Bureau); Tiros Operations by A. Schnapf (Radio Corpora tion of America); System Performance of Meteorological Satellites by R. A. Stampfl (NASA). Evaluation and Testing of the Relay Satellite by W. A. Schreiner (Radio Corporation of America); Criteria for the Choice of Synchro nous or Medium-altitude Communication Satellite System by W. L. Pritchard (Aerospace Corporation); Communication Satellite Design Considerations by Elton B. Bischoff (General Electric Co); Passive Gravitational Attitude Control System for Communication Satellites by J. W. West (Bell Telephone Laboratories). Guidance Problems in Space by K. H. Schirrmacher (Royal Air craft Establishment); Enlargement of Elliptic Satellite Orbits by Continuous Micro-thrust by D. G. King-Hele (Royal Aircraft Establishment). - NUCLEAR-POWERED SATELLITE The US Atomic Energy Commission announced on September 30 that signals from "a Department of Defense satellite launched recently from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, by a Thor AbleStar missile" were being transmitted successfully with electricity from a nuclear power source. The nuclear device, SNAP-9A, was stated to be the third lightweight radio-isotope-fuelled thermo electric generator to be used in a US satellite. Designed to provide 25 watts of direct electrical current, SNAP- 9A is the first all-nuclear power system to be used on a US satellite. Two similar, smaller generators were orbited aboard DoD satellites during 1961 (June 29 and November 15), but these satellites derived part of their electrical power from solar cells. All three generators were built for the AEC by the Nuclear Division of the Martin Company. There are no moving parts in the SNAP-9A device. Spontaneous decay of plutonium-238 generates heat inside its tightly sealed container, and this heat is converted directly into electrical energy by an assembly of thermocouples. The generator is about 20in in diameter, including fins, and 9£in high, and is mounted on one end of the satellite. It weighs 271b and is designed for a five-year operating lifetime. Eurospace Meeting The need to establish "an intergovernmental European organization capable of surveying space problems as a whole" was emphasized in a Council report presented to the general meeting of the industrial association Eurospace in London on October 3. Eurospace now has 143 member-companies in 11 countries. Astronautics at IC A course of Thursday-afternoon postgraduate lectures in astronautics organized by the Department of Aero nautics at Imperial College, South Kensington, begins today (October 10) with a lecture on elementary orbital theory by Mr F. G. Irving. Other subjects to be covered this term include elementary dynamics of re-entry, atmospheres of the Earth and other planets, rocket engines and advanced orbital theory. Course fees are 14s per lecture, £7 per term or £10 10s for the full course of two terms. Britain Sits-in on MLF Talks A statement from 10 Downing Street on October 1 announced that the British Government is prepared to participate in the forthcoming talks in Paris and Washington on the proposed multilateral force (the NATO mixed- manned fleet of 25 surface ships carrying Polaris missiles and their associated systems). The Government has agreed to do so "on the clear understanding that it does not commit them to participate in such a force." Despite strong American pressure, the British Government is naturally reluctant to spend a great deal of money on a force "the value of which in relation to the expen diture of resources which it would entail has been publicly questioned." Charles R. Fink, Martin Com pany SNAP-9A programme manager, prepares SNAP-9A nuclear generator for its space flight (see "Nuclear-powered satellite"). The generator is now operating aboard a Defense Department satellite
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