NSSDCA ID: 1959-004A-07
Mission Name: Explorer 6This VLF receiver was designed to study Whistlermode propagation and ionospheric moise on 15.5 kHz signals transmitted from Annapolis, MD. (NSS). The signals were received on a small electric antenna which was simultaneously used to transit VHF telemetry. The signal intensity on a 3-db bandwidth of 100 hz was observed along with the antenna impedance. The dynamic range of the receiver was about 80 db. This experiment operated from launch up to about 160 km before failure. With the antenna in a folded configuration for launch, the receiver recorded all data at a sensitivity reduced by about 30 db. At 67 km the signals disappeared into the noise background. However, by special techniques, data were made usable all the way up to 160 km. The analysis performed on the limited amount of data are contained in an article in NASA SP-54, 1965, pp. 91-100 (Mlodnosky, R. F., 'Daytime Whistler-Mode Attenuation through the Lower Ionoshpere at 15.5 kHz as Measured on Explorer VI during Launch Trajectory'). A more detailed description of the experiment, and illustrative samples of the data are also included in the article.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Mr. L. H. Rorden | Other Investigator | DEVLCO Incorporated | |
Mr. R. F. Mlodnosky | Other Investigator | Stanford University | |
Prof. Robert A. Helliwell | Principal Investigator | Stanford University | rah@nova.stanford.edu |