NSSDCA ID: 1962-070A-01
Mission Name: S 55BThis experiment was one of five micrometeorite detectors aboard Explorer 16. It utilized pressurized cells shaped like half cylinders with walls of 25-, 51-, and 127-micron-thick beryllium copper to record micrometeoroid impacts. The cells contained helium gas held under pressure. As a micrometeoroid punctured the cell wall, it released the gas and dropped the pressure. This drop in pressure activated an electronic circuit and transmitted this information to earth. The pressurized-cell sensors were divided into two identical groups that were telemetered separately on the two telemeters. During the 7 1/2 months in which the experiment transmitted useful data, 44 punctures were indicated in the one hundred 25-micron beryllium copper walls, and none of the twenty 127-micron beryllium copper sensors was punctured. The puncture rate for the 25-micron material was 0.32 puncture per sq m per day, and the puncture rate for the 51-micron material was 0.19 puncture per sq m per day.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
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Mr. Charles A. Gurtler | Principal Investigator | NASA Langley Research Center |