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At least 181 records · Page 10

Radio astronomy Explorer-1 observations of the Gum nebula

Complicating factors in the spectrum analysis of the Gum nebula are discussed. These include accounting for the spectrum of supernova remnants in the direction of the nebula, the different absorption laws for radiation from beyond and within the nebula, and the Razin effect. This last results in a low frequency cutoff to the spectrum of synchrotron radiation by particles in a thermal plasma. These factors cause the observer to overestimate the amount of absorption occurring in the nebula. Data from the Explorer 38 satellite are presented for 3.93 and 6.55 MHz. Average optical depth for the nebula at 4 MHz was calculated.

Alexander, J. K.↗

An analysis of the expected eccentricity perturbations for the second Radio Astronomy Explorer (RAE B)

Analytical prediction of expected eccentricity perturbations for the RAE 2 lunar orbit shows that the eccentricity will grow linearly in time. Parametric inclination studies and analysis of perturbation equations establish a critical retrograde inclination of 116.565 at which the positive perturbation slope vanishes for a circular orbit about 1100 m above the lunar surface with an eccentricity constraint of less than 0.005 during a period of about one year.

Murphy, J. P.↗

Dynamical in-orbit behavior of the Radio Astronomy Explorer satellite

Onboard sensors and associated ground based processing systems are used to maintain a well stabilized attitude for the RAE 1 in its near circular earth orbit despite the satellite's four extremely long and flexible antenna booms. Boom tip deflection pictures and central hub orientation measurements show that large boom vibrations and major attitude stability problems anticipated prior to launch have not materialized.

Walden, H.↗

Panoramic attitude sensor for Radio Astronomy Explorer B

An instrument system to acquire attitude determination data for the RAE-B spacecraft was designed and built. The system consists of an electronics module and two optical scanner heads. Each scanner head has an optical scanner with a field of view of 0.7 degrees diameter which scans the sky and measures the position of the moon, earth and sun relative to the spacecraft. This scanning is accomplished in either of two modes. When the spacecraft is spinning, the scanner operates in spherical mode, with the spacecraft spin providing the slow sweep of lattitude to scan the entire sky. After the spacecraft is placed in lunar orbit and despun, the scanner will operate in planar mode, advancing at a rate of 5.12 seconds per revolution in a fixed plane parallel to the spacecraft Z axis. This scan will cross and measure the moon horizons with every revolution. Each scanner head also has a sun slit which is aligned parallel to the spin axis of the spacecraft and which provides a sun pulse each revolution of the spacecraft. The electronics module provides the command and control, data processing and housekeeping functions.

Thomsen, R.↗

Velocity control propulsion subsystem of the Radio Astronomy Explorer satellite for Goddard Space Flight Center

The Velocity Control Propulsion Subsystem (VCPS) was designed the propulsion required for trajectory and lunar orbit corrections of the spacecraft. A GFE clamp assembly physically attaches the VCPS to the spacecraft and the unit is ejected after completing the required corrections. The VCPS is physically and functionally separated from the spacecraft except for the electrical and telemetry interfaces. A GFE transtage provides the superstructure on which the VCPS is assembled. The subsystem consists of two 5 foot pound rocket engine assemblies, 4 propellant tanks, 2 latching valves, 2 fill and drain valves, a system filter, pressure transducer, gas and propellant manifolds and electrical heaters and thermostats. The RAE-B VCPS program covered the design, manufacture and qualification of one subsystem. This subsystem was to be manufactured, subjected to qualification tests; and refurbished, if necessary, prior to flight. The VCPS design and test program precluded the need for refurbishing the subsystem and the unit was delivered to GSFC at the conclusion of the program.

Braught, W.↗

Engineering parameter determination from the radio astronomy explorer /RAE I/ satellite attitude data

An RAE-I satellite description is given, taking into account a dynamics experiment and the attitude sensing system. A computer program for analyzing flexible spacecraft attitude motions is considered, giving attention to the geometry of rod deformation. The characteristics of observed attitude data are discussed along with an analysis of the main boom root angle, the bending rigidity, and the damper plane angle.

Lawlor, E. A.↗

Low noise parametric amplifiers for radio astronomy observations at 18-21 cm wavelength

The principle characteristics and use of SHF parametric amplifiers for radiometer input devices are explored. Balanced parametric amplifiers (BPA) are considered as the SHF signal amplifiers allowing production of the amplifier circuit without a special filter to achieve decoupling. Formulas to calculate the basic parameters of a BPA are given. A modulator based on coaxial lines is discussed as the input element of the SHF. Results of laboratory tests of the receiver section and long-term stability studies of the SHF sector are presented.

Kanevskiy, B. Z.↗

Data user's notes of the radio astronomy experiment aboard the OGO-V spacecraft

General information concerning the low-frequency radiometer, instrument package launching and operation, and scientific objectives of the flight are provided. Calibration curves and correction factors, with general and detailed information on the preflight calibration procedure are included. The data acquisition methods and the format of the data reduction, both on 35 mm film and on incremental computer plots, are described.

Haddock, F. T.↗

Radio Astronomy

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Gulkis, S.↗

Automated radio astronomy operations

The improvements in using a computer to drive a DSN 64-meter antenna are described. The development is used to simplify operation, improve antenna safety, reduce antenna wear, present the abuse of antenna by misoperation, increase quantity and quality of data gathered, and give users a greater choice of automatic operations.

Livermore, R. W.↗

Differential radio astronomy of galactic objects

A differential astrometry technique is discussed. An improved proper motion and a parallax limit for pulsar 1929 + 10 is presented as well as a limit on the space velocity of the enigmatic object in SgrA.

Backer, D. C.↗