NSSDCA ID: 1969-051A-10
Mission Name: OGO 6The primary objective of this experiment was to monitor the intensity of solar radiation in the wavelength range from 1850 to 3500 A. The instrumentation consisted of a quartz prism spectrograph programmed to scan the ultraviolet spectrum in six ranges approximately 300 A wide. Two additional visible ranges were included. The experiment was oriented directly toward the sun. The wavelength ranges were 1850 to 2000 A, 2000 to 2300 A, 2300 to 2600 A, 2600 to 2900 A, 2900 to 3200 A, 3200 to 3500 A, 3500 to 5000 A, and 5000 to 6000 A. A fixed program sequenced the optics, except when it was overridden by ground command. The sequence inserted four different diffuser disks in front of the spectrograph, cycled through the eight spectral ranges, and periodically inserted the calibration lamps to replace sunlight. The experiment was turned on only while the spacecraft was in partially eclipsed orbits, due to excessive experiment temperatures during fully sunlit orbits. Due to these high temperatures, the quartz optics deteriorated prematurely during the first months of operation, affecting the data for short-wavelength observations badly. The experiment was turned off in November 1970 while it was mechanically and electronically fully operational.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Victor H. Regener | Principal Investigator | University of New Mexico |