NSSDCA ID: 1962-059A-03
Mission Name: Explorer 15The Electron Angular Distribution Experiment was designed to determine the angular distribution of the electron flux in the artificial radiation belt produced by the Starfish Prime high-altitude nuclear test. The instrument comprised two silicon p-n junction directional detectors. One had no shielding and the other had a beryllium absorber at the apex of its acceptance cone. The detectors could observe electrons of energies 1.0 to about 1.5 MeV. Because the spacecraft was spinning, the resolution varied relative to the spin direction. Detector 1 had angular resolution of approximately 20 degrees in the spin direction and 10 degrees perpendicular to the spin. Detector 2 had approximate angular resolutions of 20 degrees in the spin direction and 14 degrees perpendicular. It made measurements continuously throughout the orbit. It had a mass of about 2.5 kg and used about 500 mW power.
Mass: 2.5 kg
Power (avg): 0.5 W
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Upendra D. Desai | Other Investigator | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | |
Dr. Walter L. Brown | Principal Investigator | AT&T Bell Laboratories |