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Lee, R. B., III

Publications and source records attributed to Lee, R. B., III.

22 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1972

Optical polarimetric properties of the Echo 2 and PAGEOS 1 engineering surfaces

Experimental investigations of the percent polarization of sunlight reflected from the surfaces of each of the Echo 2 Satellite and PAGEOS (Passive Geodetic Earth Orbiting Satellite) were performed to determine the stability of their surfaces in the space environment. The Echo 2 surface material was amorphous phosphate chemically bonded to a rolled aluminum substrate while the PAGEOS 1 surface material is vapor deposited aluminum on a poly (ethylene terephthalate) film. The stability of the satellites' surfaces was analyzed by comparing the light polarizing properties of the satellites, to those of test surfaces representative of the satellites' surfaces. The properties of flat test surfaces were measured experimentally in the laboratory, and the effects of surface strain, surface geometry, and vacuum upon these properties were examined. The laboratory analyses revealed that the polarization properties of the Echo 2 surface were significantly affected by surface geometry and vacuum, and that the properties of the PAGEOS 1 surface were not significantly altered by any of the above mechanisms.

Lee, R. B., III↗
NASA NTRS1972

Measured physical and optical properties of the passive geodetic satellite /Pageos/ and Echo 1.

Two satellites used for geodesy, Pageos and Echo 1, have been observed in a continuing program since 1966 to determine the stability of their physical and optical properties. Measurements are made in the UBVRI spectral system. The amount of solar radiation reflected from a satellite's surface is measured photoelectrically and is calibrated against known stellar magnitudes by standard astronomical techniques. The calibrated satellite magnitudes are analyzed with respect to the sun-satellite-observer phase angle to infer the shape and size of the satellite and the reflective properties of the satellite's surface material. The physical and optical properties are used to determine proper position of the solar image on the satellite's surface, resulting in more precise geometric geodesy. Quantitative results from five observing periods indicate that, although local structural anomalies appear to exist, both satellites essentially maintained their nominal average 30.48-meter (50-ft) radius of curvature and specular reflecting characteristics.

Mcdougal, D. S.↗