NSSDCA ID: 1964-073A-03
Mission Name: Mariner 3A Faraday cup was flown on the Mariner 3 spacecraft to study the solar wind positive ion flux in the energy range 30 eV to 10 keV. The instrument had a range of 5 times 10 to the minus 5 power to 5 times 10 to the -9 power particles/sq cm sec. It was mounted with its receiving aperture center line tilted 10 degrees from the sun-probe line.
The instrument was capable of measuring the directional characteristics of the plasma flux within a 30 degree half-angle cone (centered 10 degrees off the sun-probe line). The instrument consisted of a cuplike shell with four grids and a collector. The outer and shield grids operated at ground potential. The modulator and suppressor grids were electrically isolated from the shell by standoffs. All grids were constructed of tungsten wire mesh.
Because a protective shield failed to eject after the spacecraft had passed through the atmosphere, no scientific data were received.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Prof. Herbert S. Bridge | Principal Investigator | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |