NSSDCA ID: 1967-038A-03
Mission Name: San Marco 2The ionospheric beacon experiment consisted of a high-frequency radio transmitter that operated on command, with 670 mw of power and at a frequency of 20.005 MHz. A 0.01-MHz keyed frequency shift was provided for positive signal identification. The transmitting antenna was a retractable 5-m (tip to tip) dipole that was oriented along the spacecraft spin axis. During operation of the drag experiment, this antenna was retracted to provide a better drag cross section. On 26 June, the beacon experiment was turned on and operated for 3 weeks, with a total of 170 measured passes over the Nairobi receiving station. It operated nominally according to schedule until August 5, 1967, when satellite power became abnormal.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Prof. V. Carrara | Principal Investigator | Universita degli Studi di Firenze |