NSSDCA ID: 1963-009A-03
Mission Name: AE-ATwo Redhead (cold cathode) and two Bayard-Alpert (hot filament) ionization vacuum gauges were used to measure the neutral particle density and ambient pressure of the upper atmosphere between 260 km and 900 km from April to June, 1963. The pressure gauges were operated for 4-min periods when the satellite was within range of a ground telemetry (Minitrack) station. The neutral particles were ionized by electron bombardment, and the resulting ion currents were detected and converted to voltages suitable for telemetry. These two types of sensors together were capable of measuring over the pressure range 10.E-4 torr (10.E12 molecules/cc) to 10.E-11 torr. One Bayard-Alpert gauge suffered a loss in sensitivity, and no useful data were obtained from it. The remaining three gauges operated normally. A more detailed description of the experiment can be found in G. P. Newton et al., Planet. Space Sci., v. 13, n. 7, p. 599, 1965. NSSDC has all the useful data that exist from this investigation.
Mass: 7.7 kg
Power (avg): 38 W
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Dr. Dieter K. Bilitza
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. George P. Newton | Principal Investigator | NASA Headquarters |