NSSDCA ID: 1958-004B-06
Mission Name: Sputnik 3The two Spherical Ion Traps were designed to measure the density of positive ions in the vicinity of the Sputnik 3 satellite and to determine the surface charge on the satellite. The ion traps were mounted on booms extending from opposite sides of the satellite. Each trap comprised two concentric spheres - a 10 cm diameter mesh grid sphere enclosing a 3 cm diameter spherical collector. The collector was charged with a 150 volt potential, negative with respect to the surrounding grid. It was connected to the conductive surface of the satellite through a resistance. The collected current is measured through this means. A saw-tooth voltage was applied between the outer grid sphere and the exterior of the satellite. Simultaneous measurements of the inner collector current and the external sweep voltage gave the voltage/current characteristic of the collected plasma. By determining the satellite shell potential and measuring currents at certain reference voltages, the plasma electron temperatures could be determined.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Dr. David R. Williams
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
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Prof. Konstantin I. Gringauz | Principal Investigator | Soviet Academy of Sciences |