Tracking and data system support for the Pioneer project - Pioneer 6 extended mission, 1 July 1966 - 1 July 1969, volume 5
Pioneer 6 tracking data and RF performance from 1 July 1966 - 1 July 1969
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Pioneer 6 tracking data and RF performance from 1 July 1966 - 1 July 1969
Tracking and data acquisition, scientific events and measurements, and engineering support for Pioneer 8 space probe
Data collection by Pioneer 7 of interplanetary phenomena
Tables of interplanetary high energy particles, solar phenomena, and plasmas taken by Pioneer 7 space probe
Tracking and scientific measurement data analyses for Pioneer missions from July 1969 to July 1970
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The Tracking and Data System supported the deep space phases of the Pioneer 6, 7, 8, and 9 missions, with two spacecraft in an inward trajectory and two spacecraft in an outward trajectory from the earth in heliocentric orbits. Scientific instruments aboard each of the spacecraft continued to register information relative to interplanetary particles and fields, and radio metric data generated by the network continued to improve our knowledge of the celestial mechanics of the solar system. In addition to network support activity detail, network performance and special support activities are covered.
Radio occultation measurements from Mariner 9 orbits around Mars show that the radius of Mars changes by only about 2 km from a latitude of 65 deg to the north pole, that the north polar area is about average in elevation, and that polar temperature profiles are indicative of the possibility that the remnant north polar cap may be at least partially composed of water ice. It is also found that Mars, in addition to being asymmetrical equatorially, is also significantly asymmetrical in the north and south direction with the Southern Hemisphere lying 3 to 4 km higher. Temperature gradients in the clear Martian atmosphere of only about one-half of the adiabatic gradients of 5 deg K/km suggest the importance of dynamical processes.
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The Tracking and Data System supported the deep space phases of the Pioneer 6, 7, 8, and 9 missions, with two spacecraft in an inward trajectory and two spacecraft in an outward trajectory from the earth in heliocentric orbits. During the period of this report, scientific instruments aboard each of the spacecraft continued to register information relative to interplanetary particles and fields, and radiometric data generated by the network continued to contribute to knowledge of the celestial mechanics of the solar system. In addition, to network support activity detail, network performance and special support activities are covered.
The applications of modern technology to the resolution of the problem of solid wastes in space cabin environments was studied with emphasis on the exploration of operating conditions that would permit lowering of process temperatures in wet oxidation of combined human wastes. It was found that the ultimate degree of degradation is not enhanced by use of a catalyst. However, the rate of oxidation is increased, and the temperature of oxidation is reduced to 400 F.
The Viking '75 Mission to Mars is reported which permits a truly unique opportunity to explore the natural satellite, Phobos, from distances measured in tens of kilometers. A preliminary feasibility study has been made which shows that a science mission involving a Phobos close encounter is technically feasible and within the capabilities of the current Viking design. For less than 20 m/s, the Viking Orbiter can provide approximately two 40-day periods of close observation of Phobos, with the first encounter period in January and the second in March, 1977. Multi-pass images of the entire satellite from nearly all aspect angles and with resolution on the order of 10 meters are possible. Close encounters will permit mass determinations to an accuracy of tens of percent. These experiments can be performed in series with the nominal mission; thus, providing complementary scientific information without compromising the original mission and science objectives.
The period from 1 July through 31 August 1977 is covered and included is the remainder of post DSN Mark 3 Data Subsystem Implementation Project Viking-related testing at DSS14. Also included are reports on the Viking DSN Discrepancy Reporting System, Viking command support, tracking support, and periodic tests conducted with the Viking spacecraft.
The status of the Viking Deep Space Network Mark 3 '77 data subsystem implementation project and related testing at DSS 42/43 from 1 September through 31 October 1977 are reported. The Viking DSN discrepancy reporting system, Viking command support, tracking support, and periodic tests conducted with the Viking spacecraft are also discussed.
The Deep Space Network (DSN) support of Viking spacecraft activities and the DSN Viking command and tracking support are reported. The status of DSN Mark 3 data (MDS) subsystem implementation project related Viking testing is included.
Deep Space Network support is detailed for Viking spacecraft activities and the Viking command and tracking system. Viking DSN Mark 3 data subsystem implementation related testing is also discussed.
Deep Space Network tracking activities for the Viking mission are reported. Several orbiter and lander problems and their solutions are discussed. Tracking support data include the number of commands transmitted by month, tracking time in hours, and telemetry intermediate data record performance. A Viking mission profile is also given.
The backhoe magnets on Viking Lander (VL) 2 were successfully cleaned, followed by a test involving successive insertions of the cleaned backhoe into the surface. Rapid saturation of the magnets confirmed evidence from primary mission results that the magnetic mineral in the Martian surface is widely distributed, most probably in the form of composite particles of magnetic and nonmagnetic minerals. An image of the VL 2 backhoe taken via the X4 magnifying mirror demonstrates the fine-grained nature of the attracted magnetic material. The presence of maghemite and its occurrence as a pigment in, or a thin coating on, all mineral particles or as discrete, finely divided and widely distributed crystallites, are consistent with data from the inorganic analysis experiments and with laboratory simulations of results of the biology experiments on Mars.