NSSDCA ID: 1966-066A-14
Mission Name: Gemini 10The positive ion-sensing attitude control experiment was designed to determine the feasibility of measuring spacecraft pitch and yaw angles with respect to the spacecraft's velocity vector using environmental positive ions and an electrostatic detection system. Two planar electrostatic analyzers were mounted symetrically about the appropriate (yaw or pitch) axis and were extended approximately 61 cm beyond the spacecraft. Each sensor was capable of detecting ion currents over a 1E-6 to 1E-11 amp range. The angular measurements were taken over the range plus or minus 40 deg. Specific inflight maneuvers for this experiment included yaw, pitch, and roll studies of the effects of photoemission and of various environmental factors on the sensors. The data were telemetered to ground stations both on tape and in real time and were presented on time-correlated analog strip-chart recordings and on magnetic tape. The experiment functioned as planned and provided 12 hr of data, 3 1/2 of which were accumulated while the inertial guidance system was also operating. The astronauts made inflight comparison of the ion-sensing system with the inertial guidance system, verifying the accuracy of the ion sensor system. Postflight comparison and analysis of data from these two systems appears in AFCRL publication 67-0158.
Mass: 3 kg
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Rita C. Sagalyn | Other Investigator | Phillips Laboratory (nee USAF Geophysics Lab, nee Cambridge Labs) | sagalyn@plh.af.mil |
Dr. Michael Smiddy | Principal Investigator | Phillips Laboratory (nee USAF Geophysics Lab, nee Cambridge Labs) |