Orthogonal mirror telescopes for x-ray astronomy
X ray astronomy orthogonal mirror telescopes, noting collecting efficiency, angular resolution and focusing
Chase, R. C.↗
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Techniques in balloon X-ray astronomy
Balloon X ray astronomy techniques and observations, noting collimated scintillation counter instrumentation and PCM telemetry
Matteson, J. L.↗
Space radio astronomy
Space radio astronomy, discussing frequency range in terrestrial atmosphere, RAE-1 satellite, cosmic and solar emissions and magnetopause generation, propagation and absorption processes
Stone, R. G.↗
Apollo galactic X-ray astronomy observations
The galactic X-ray observations are a detailed study of the temporal behavior of pulsating X-ray sources. NASA's first X-ray astronomy satellite Uhuru (Explorer 42) has recently discovered fast time variability of pulsations in the output from several sources. The variability occurs on a time scale of minutes, seconds, or less, implying that the emitting regions are very small in size, much smaller than the sun, although they are emitting about a thousand times more power. Fast time variability may provide the clue that is needed to understand the mechanisms which drive pulsating sources. The Apollo observations record the emission from several objects continuously for a period of about an hour. The spacecraft can be pointed at the source for the entire time. On the other hand, Uhuru can observe only for about a minute or two per sighting. Consequently, Apollo has the capability for determining whether periodicities exist in the 10-1000 second range.
Adler, I.↗
System Definition Phase and Acquisition Phase Project Plan for Small Astronomy Satellite SAS-D
This Project Plan for the Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS-D) is Goddard Space Flight Center's plan for accomplishing the project. It is issued in compliance with NASA Handbook NHB 7121.2 and NMI 7120.1, dated May 4, 1970, Subject: Approval and Implementation of Office of Space Science and Applications (OSSA) Research and Development (R&D) Projects. The Project Plan, as approved by GSFC executive management and NASA Headquarters, is the project manager's charter and defines his specific plan of action. System definition phase activities of the SAS-D Project will be a continuation of the analytical work that established the overall feasibility of the project. The system concept derived from that analytical work is defined in the Phase A (Mission Definition Phase) technical report. System definition phase activities will include detailed engineering analysis and preliminary breadboarding necessary to establish a single project approach from the feasible approaches. This document will be revised at the end of the system definition phase to provide greater detail on acquisition phase planning and to specify a specific system design.
Donald A Krueger↗
Instrumentation for radio astronomy measurements aboard the IMP-I spacecraft
The design considerations and performance parameters of a satellite-borne instrumentation system are discussed. The system is designed to make radio astronomy measurements at eight discrete frequencies from 50 kHz to 3.53 MHz. These measurements are to detect solar and Jovian radio frequency bursts and to determine the average cosmic background radiation level down to 50 kHz. Procedures used for preflight and inflight calibration of the radiometer and the ground support equipment used for preflight testing are described.
Haddock, F. T.↗
High Energy Astronomy Observatory, Mission C, Phase A. Volume 1: Executive summary
A summary of the Phase A of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory Mission-C (HEAO-C) is presented. The mission, baseline experiments, observatory design, and spacecraft subsystems are described, and the principal mission considerations are discussed. A summary is included of the general recommendations.
Source record↗
Gravitational-wave astronomy
The significance of experimental evidence for gravitational waves is considered for astronomy. Properties, generation, and astrophysical sources of the waves are discussed. Gravitational wave receivers and antennas are described. A review of the Weber experiment is presented.
Press, W. H.↗
High Energy Astronomy Observatory star tracker search program
The development of a control system to accommodate the scientific payload of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO) is discussed. One of the critical elements of the system is the star tracker subsystem, which defines an accurate three-axis attitude reference. A digital computer program has been developed to evaluate the ability of a particular star tracker configuration to meet the requirements for attitude reference at various vehicle orientations. Used in conjuction with an adequate star catalog, the computer program provides information on availability of stars for each tracker and on the ability of the system to maintain three-axis attitude reference throughout a representative sequence of vehicle orientations.
Weiler, W. J.↗
Orientation system for gamma ray astronomy experiments
A new and rugged orientation system for use in gamma and X-ray astronomy has been built and test flown with favorable results. This system utilizes a versatile equatorial mount for pointing detectors with weights of up to 400 lbs.
Mammy, A. J.↗
Tracking coverage of the Radio Astronomy Explorer-B
Launch and arrival parameters for the Radio Astronomy Explorer-B mission were revised to provide better tracking station coverage of the transfer trajectory. It is shown that changing the launch azimuth and flight time is sufficient to provide postinjection tracking by Tananarive and Carnarvon, and redundant lunar orbit insertion coverage by command stations. These changes can be made with no significant influence on the other parameters and without sacrificing many launch opportunities. All acceptable launch opportunties during the RAE-B launch period are tabulated together with pertinent launch and arrival parameters.
Swartwood, H., Jr.↗
Radio astronomy Explorer B antenna aspect processor
The antenna aspect system used on the Radio Astronomy Explorer B spacecraft is described. This system consists of two facsimile cameras, a data encoder, and a data processor. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of the data processor, which contains a data compressor and a source encoder. With this compression scheme a compression ratio of 8 is achieved on a typical line of camera data. These compressed data are then convolutionally encoded.
Miller, W. H.↗
The present state of gamma-ray astronomy.
The current state of gamma-ray astronomy is reviewed in terms of the most recent experimental results that define, in either measured fluxes or upper limits, the cosmic photon spectrum in the energy range from 0.5 MeV to 10,000 TeV. Methods of research developed during the last 10 yr are discussed and specific results are cited. Cosmic gamma rays have been observed in two regions of the spectrum - from 0.5 to 6 MeV and from about 50 MeV to several hundred mega-electronvolts. Above 50 MeV, a strong concentration of intensity is observed in a band of directions around the galactic equator. In both spectral regions a diffuse background gamma ray flux, apparently isotropic and of extragalactic origin, is observed. Evidence of 50 MeV gamma-ray pulses from the Crab pulsar has been reported. No definite evidence of any other discrete gamma-ray source besides the galaxy itself has been observed at any energy.
Clark, G.↗
The use of magnetometers on balloon-borne X-ray astronomy experiments.
The use of magnetometers for azimuth determination of balloon-borne X-ray astronomy payloads is examined, with special emphasis placed on the experiments of the University of Adelaide Cosmic Ray Group. A critical evaluation is made of the effectiveness of the magnetometers, including discussion of effects due to geomagnetic field variations, magnetometer misorientation and spurious contaminant magnetic fields. Calibration techniques and details of in-flight performance are also presented.
Thomas, R. M.↗
A graphite crystal polarimeter for stellar X-ray astronomy.
The first crystal X-ray polarimeter to be used for X-ray astronomy is described. Polarization is measured by modulation of the X rays diffracted at an average 45 deg glancing angle from large, curved graphite crystal panels as these rotate about an axis parallel to the incident X-ray flux. Arrangement of the crystal panels, the design of the detector, and the signal-processing circuitry were optimized to minimize systematic effects produced by off-axis pointing of the rocket and cosmic ray induced events. The in-flight performance of the instrument in relation to the observed background signal is discussed.
Weisskopf, M. C.↗
Analysis of the Radio Astronomy Explorer lunar orbit mission.
The second Radio Astronomy Explorer spacecraft (RAE-B) is planned to be inserted into lunar orbit in 1973. The transfer trajectory design, lunar orbit selection and launch opportunities are developed in relation to the spacecraft mass properties, propulsion capability and the scientific, environmental and engineering constraints. Alternative midcourse guidance and lunar orbit trim strategies are analyzed and compared. A means of achieving a launch window without varying launch azimuth and park orbit coast time is described. The resulting mission design is characterized by near-minimum energy lunar transfer trajectories and low eccentricity, retrograde critical inclination lunar orbits. Acceptable launch periods are shown to exist for six consecutive months and for two to four consecutive days per month.
Groves, R. T.↗
Automation in astronomy.
Description and evaluation of the remotely operated Lick Observatory Cassegrain focus of the 120-inch telescope. The experience with this instrument has revealed that an automated system can profoundly change the observer's approach to his work. This makes it difficult to evaluate the 'advantage' of an automated telescope over a conventional instrument. Some of the problems arising with automation in astronomy are discussed.
Wampler, E. J.↗
Active optics for space astronomy.
Discussion of the segmented and deformable active optics approaches underlying some of the modern electrooptical techniques that are to be used in the design of future generations of giant-aperture orbital space telescopes. Combinations of laser interferometry and precise servomechanisms are shown to make possible the solution of such key problems of large monolithic mirrors in orbit as weight, thermal distortion, launchability, and material stability. The applicability of these active optics approaches to future giant-aperture space astronomy systems in the 200-inch to 400-inch diameter range is reviewed.
Wischnia, H. F.↗